Burkina Faso defender Steeve Yago has launched a scathing criticism at FIFA and the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) over the standards used to rank the very best second-placed groups for the upcoming FIFA World Cup playoff event.
Yago expressed his frustration after Burkina Faso narrowly missed out on qualification, shedding the ultimate playoff spot to Nigeria on aim distinction.
The 32-year-old questioned the logic behind the purpose deductions utilized to matches in opposition to bottom-placed groups, which he believes unfairly penalized his nation.
“Frankly, it’s incomprehensible,” Yago lamented. “You win your matches in opposition to the weakest crew in your group, but Nigeria is forward of you—regardless of failing to even beat Zimbabwe, final of their group! Thanks CAF and FIFA! My profession is nearing an finish… I’ll quickly research the sphere to criticize you correctly.”
Beneath the adjusted system, Burkina Faso’s 21 factors have been decreased to fifteen after deductions from their wins over Djibouti, whereas Nigeria’s 17 factors dropped to fifteen following two attracts in opposition to Zimbabwe.
The Tremendous Eagles superior on account of a superior aim distinction over Burkinafaso within the ultimate rating of the runners up from their respective teams.
CAF confirmed that the up to date rating guidelines have been communicated to all member associations in March, following Eritrea’s withdrawal from Group E—a choice that altered the rating formulation for runners-up.
Nigeria will now face Gabon within the first semifinal of the African playoff event in Morocco this November, with the winner set to satisfy both Cameroon or DR Congo within the ultimate.
The winner from this path will qualify for the intercontinental playoff in March 2026, the place six groups will battle for the final two FIFA World Cup spots.
