By Ogochukwu Isioma
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
The world football governing body on Monday ruled that South Africa breached competition rules, and imposed a 3-0 forfeit. The point has now been awarded to Lesotho.
Mokoena played in the 2-0 Bafana Bafana win over Lesotho in March despite the 28-year-old midfielder being due to serve a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards.
FIFA said the action breached article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
In addition to forfeiting the match, SAFA was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (N18.8 million, $12,500), while Mokoena was issued with a warning.
FIFA said SAFA and Mokoena have been formally notified of the ruling. Under the rules, South Africa has 10 days to request a detailed judgment, which could lead to an appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
With their 2-0 win now replaced with a 3-0 defeat, South Africa has dropped to second place in Group C of the African Zone qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth.
South Africa, previously clear at the top, now drops to 14 points — level with Benin. Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely with 11 points each, leaving the group wide open with just a few matches left.
Meanwhile, the sanction improves the chances of Nigeria and Rwanda reaching the finals, with both sides now three points below Benin and South Africa.
Only the group winner qualifies automatically for the World Cup.