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Sport Minister and Bafana Respond to AI Video Claiming PSG’s Kvaratskhelia Wants to Play for South Africa

FIFA cap‑tie rules keep the Georgia winger out despite a viral deepfake.

Overview

  • The circulating clip portraying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia professing South African roots and interest in Bafana Bafana has been identified as AI-generated.
  • Bafana Bafana’s official TikTok account reposted the video with South African flag emojis and a playful prompt, which amplified its reach.
  • Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie urged the country to back the players who secured qualification for 2026 rather than entertain the rumor.
  • Kvaratskhelia is cap‑tied to Georgia through competitive appearances, including Euro and World Cup qualifiers, which bars any national-team switch under FIFA rules.
  • Media reports indicate no evidence of South African ancestry for the PSG winger, with public excitement over World Cup return helping the false claim gain traction.