THE Benin Football Association have followed in the SA Football Association’s footsteps by lodging a complaint to Fifa against DR Congo.
DR Congo, according to a match report from Fifa and seen by SunSport, used four substitutes on four separate occasions instead of on three when the two nations played in the Fifa World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
DR Congo beat Benin 2-0 in Kinshasa to finish on top of Group J and progressed to the play-off round in March, with goals coming from Malango and Bezua Mbokani’s 10th minute penalty.
Benin needed to avoid defeat to advance to the play-offs, but ended up second.
Under Fifa regulations for international games, teams are allowed to make up to five substitutes but only during three windows in the game.
Fifa has acknowledged receipt of the letter and have confirmed they are looking into this matter.
“Fifa has received a complaint from the Benin FA in relation to this matter and will review it,” Fifa noted.
“As per standard procedure, Fifa first needs to analyse the relevant match report reports before commenting. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage.”
However, if Congo are found guilty by Fifa of breaking the rules the likely outcome will see DR Congo stripped of the points and they could be awarded to Benin, who will then progress to the play-offs.
