South Africa coach cites Messi while accusing FIFA of double standards during 2026 World Cup: ‘Much too severe…

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has accused FIFA of double standards in terms of taking action against players for their on-field conduct by showing preferential treatment towards superstars such as Lionel Messi. Broos slammed the governing body after South African midfielder Themba Zwane was handed a three-match suspension following a straight red in the tournament opener against Mexico in Mexico City last Thursday, which they lost 0-2.

Substitute Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute, appearing to raise his arm towards a Mexican defender while the South Africans were on the charge. The 36-year-old had a bewildered look on his face after referee Wilton Sampaio pulled out a red card from his pocket following a VAR check, reducing Bafana Bafana to nine men – with Sphephelo Sithole having also got a red card earlier in the game.

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Messi, on the other hand, did not face any such action despite stamping on the back of centre-back Aissa Mandi's leg during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday. Unlike Sampaio, referee Szymon Marciniak did not bother consulting VAR and allowed the Inter Miami superstar, who began what likely is his final World Cup campaign with a sensational hat-trick, to continue.

"I don't want Messi to get a red card, a player like that has to be on the pitch, we all saw what a wonderful player he is, but what's the difference?" Broos told reporters on Wednesday on the eve of South Africa's second Group A clash against Czechia in Atlanta.

"Zwane's red card is too severe. I watched the situation back with Themba and I don't think it was a red.

"When I compare it to what happened yesterday with Messi, I certainly don't agree. I don't think there was even a VAR review with Messi, whereas this incident was reviewed," he continued.

Zwane's punishment 'too severe', insists Broos

Belgian coach Broos, who has been South Africa's manager since 2021, further claimed that in Zwane's case, the Mexican defender was focused on blocking the South African attacking midfielder instead of focusing on the ball. The 74-year-old added that the three-match suspension in addition to a red card was "too severe" a punishment.

"When you look at the situation, the Mexico player blocks my player. He's not looking at the ball, he's just holding Themba.

"Themba tries to get over him, puts his arm over his shoulder, and for that you get a red card and a three-match suspension!?

"I'm sorry, but it's much too severe," Broos added.

South Africa, who are making their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup since hosting the 2010 edition, are set to appeal the red card as well as suspension handed out to Zwane, who will otherwise not be in action until the Round of 16 at the earliest.