Johnson Progress

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been sanctioned by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.

As a result, the match has been awarded to Lesotho with a 3-0 scoreline, and South Africa has been deducted three points.

According to FIFA, SAFA’s actions breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations.

Mokoena was ineligible to play due to accumulated yellow cards, having received two bookings in previous matches against Benin and Zimbabwe.

The sanction has significant implications for Group C standings.

South Africa, previously leading the group, has dropped to second place with 14 points, tied with Benin but with an inferior goal difference.

Lesotho, on the other hand, has gained nine points, although they remain second from bottom, with Zimbabwe anchoring on four points.

The development has boosted the hopes of Nigeria and Rwanda, who are now just three points behind South Africa.

“The sanction could prove decisive in what has become one of Africa’s tightest World Cup qualifying groups,” notes a recent report.

SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000 (approximately $12,500) and has expressed disappointment with the decision.

“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments,” SAFA stated.

The association has requested written reasons for the judgment and intends to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period.

“We call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers,” SAFA added.

With two matches remaining, South Africa faces a tough challenge to qualify for the World Cup.

They will play Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers, and will need to secure maximum points to keep their hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Warriors coach Michael Nees is set to announce the national squad for the upcoming matches against South Africa and Lesotho next month.