FIFA has written to the Zambian FA to say it it will not act on a complaint it filed about refereeing in their World Cup qualifier loss to Nigeria on October 7.
The Zambia Federation had protested to FIFA over the performance of Botswana referee Joshua Bondo, who disallowed a goal scored by Augustine Mulenga in the 1-0 loss against Nigeria.
FIFA has, however, replied saying no proceedings will be opened because the referee’s decision is final and there’s no evidence that he was manipulated by the Nigerian Federation or betting companies.
A letter by FIFA reads: "In this context, we refer your association to article 15 par 6, of the regulations of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, which clearly stipulates that no protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play.
"Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal,†Deputy Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee Julien Deux stated in the letter to FAZ.
"Having said that, and for the sake of good order, we would like to emphasize that on the basis of the documentation and information currently in our possession, there is no evidence of any infringement of the applicable regulations by the referees of the match in question.â€
Last month, Fifa had ordered a replay of the World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Senegal because of match-fixing by the referee Joseph Lamptey. The Zambian FA was looking to have such decision in their favour.
Source:sports.naij.com