Bafana midfielder’s World Cup red card flagged in match-fixing probe

An international advisory group has reportedly flagged seven potential match-fixing incidents related to sports betting during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Among the incidents under scrutiny is the red card issued to Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane during a group stage match against Mexico.

The allegations emerged in a report from The Athletic on Thursday, quickly gaining traction online.

Themba Zwane when he received a straight red card against Mexico. Photo: Imago

Zwane’s dismissal is one of three specific events highlighted by the advisory group. The other two incidents reportedly involve unusual betting patterns. One case saw a period of heavy wagering on Spain failing to defeat Cape Verde, a match that ultimately ended in a draw. Over €4 million was allegedly bet on this outcome.

Bafana star’s red card flagged over match-fixing

Another flagged moment was a lengthy VAR review that disallowed a goal by Spain’s Ferran Torres in a match against Saudi Arabia.

Themba Zwane served a three-match suspension after FIFA dismissed SAFA's appeal. — Themba Zwane served a three-match suspension after FIFA dismissed SAFA’s appeal. Photo: Imago

The red card given to Zwane had already been a point of contention before these reports surfaced. The initial card was later upgraded to a three-match suspension, effectively ending his participation in the tournament.

The incident occurred when Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for a raised arm on Mexican defender Roberto Alvarado. Bafana coach Hugo Broos vehemently contested the decision, arguing that Alvarado had blocked Zwane, who was merely trying to maneuver around him without any malicious intent.

FIFA denies World Cup manipulation claims

Themba Zwane when he was sent off against Mexico. Photo: Imago

Broos described the subsequent three-match ban as “much, much too severe” and questioned FIFA’s consistency, pointing to a similar challenge by Lionel Messi that did not result in a VAR intervention. Despite SAFA’s official appeal to have the suspension reduced or overturned, FIFA’s committee upheld the original ruling.

In response to the allegations, FIFA has strongly refuted any claims of wrongdoing. The world football governing body confirmed that all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup were monitored in real-time by its integrity unit, which found no evidence of match manipulation throughout the competition.

The identity of the “international advisory group” cited in the report remains unconfirmed, and the group has not released an official statement at the time of this article’s publication.