Themba Zwane’s controversial red card during Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup opener against Mexico was reportedly among seven incidents flagged by an international group monitoring possible betting irregularities at the tournament.
Also see: WATCH: Mudau reacts to Zwane’s red card
Themba Zwane red card under investigation
The midfielder was dismissed in the 84th minute of the 2-0 defeat after a VAR review found that his arm had caught Roberto Alvarado in the face. FIFA later handed Zwane a three-match suspension, which South Africa unsuccessfully appealed.
According to TimesLIVE, the Group of Copenhagen issued a “yellow notice” over the incident. The body, established by the Council of Europe, monitors possible manipulation in sporting competitions.
A yellow notice represents a slightly increased level of concern and can be triggered by unexplained betting movements, social media rumours or information received from other sources. It does not mean match-fixing took place.
Also see: FIFA upgrades Themba Zwane’s ban
The group monitored all 104 World Cup matches, placing 15 under increased surveillance and issuing seven yellow notices.
FIFA’s Integrity Task Force reached a different conclusion, saying it found no suspicious betting activity or signs of match manipulation linked to any fixture.
Bafana Bafana are down to nine men 🤯🟥
Themba Zwane reiceves the second red card of the night ❌❌
📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #DStvFIFAWorldCuo2026 | #EverythingCanWait pic.twitter.com/Rk59B5Yagp
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026
Originally published by Soccermag.
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