Story audio is generated using AI
The red card Themba Zwane received in Bafana Bafana’s 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match defeat to Mexico at Estadio Azteca on June 11 has been flagged in a report by a group monitoring sports betting at the tournament, according to a news report.The Athletic, which has replaced the New York Times’ sports section as its official service provider, reported Zwane’s red card was among seven “yellow notices” relating to possible match manipulation from potential betting irregularities in a report by the Group of Copenhagen.The Athletic report, published on Thursday, was headlined: “Fifa, global advisory body clash over potential betting irregularities at World Cup”.The Group of Copenhagen is an independent, international advisory network set up by the Council of Europe to monitor sports competition manipulation.The Athletic reported that the group’s full report has not yet been published “but a summary of its conclusions has been released by the Council of Europe”. The Council of Europe said in the report:104 matches were monitored;15 matches were placed under increased surveillance, particularly during the last day of the group stage;Seven yellow notices were issued; and12 major controversies were analysed in light of integrity risks.Quoting “sources briefed on the report”, The Athletic reported that “among the in-game notices to raise potential irregularities were”:The red card shown to Themba Zwane in the 84th minute of Bafana’s game against Mexico;American cryptocurrency-based prediction market Polymarket receiving $4.8m (R80.7m) on markets for Spain not to win against Cape Verde in a group game, which ended goalless; andA three-and-a-half-minute delay from the video assistant referee (VAR) team to disallow a goal from Spain’s Ferran Torres in their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.The Group of Copenhagen’s yellow flag notices relate to “several different indications of irregularities”, which can include “unexplained fluctuations in odds, rumours on social media or source information”.The group’s colour-coded categories are green (normal), yellow (slightly increased alert), orange (increased alert) and red (highest alert).The group’s report contradicted Fifa’s official findings.FIFA WORLD CUP | Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says he disputes the red card given to Themba Zwane. This follows FIFA’s decision to hand the Bafana Bafana midfielder a three-match suspension. He adds that they will appeal the ruling. pic.twitter.com/XMYjGw11wM— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 17, 2026
