The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has penalised South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, stripped the national team of three points and awarded the disputed match to Lesotho.
In a statement released on its media channels, FIFA confirmed that the South African Football Association (SAFA) violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations.
The breach occurred during the March 21, 2025, qualifier when midfielder Teboho Mokoena played despite being ineligible.
As punishment, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.
SAFA was also fined 10,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to $12,541.07. Mokoena himself escaped a ban but received a formal warning.
The committee explained that the decision aligns with the rules designed to protect the integrity of competitions.
“The regulations are clear on eligibility, and violations cannot be overlooked,” the ruling noted.
SAFA and the individuals involved have been informed of the verdict.
Under FIFA’s rules, they have 10 days to submit a response. The forfeiture can also be appealed before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
The sanction has reshaped Group C of the African World Cup qualifiers, making the race tighter than ever.
South Africa, once clear leaders, now sit level with Benin Republic at 14 points.
Nigeria and Rwanda trail closely with 11 points each, creating a fiercely contested battle for qualification.
Analysts say the loss of three points could prove decisive in the final standings.
With only a few matches left, the margin for error has shrunk dramatically for Bafana Bafana.
FIFA has been strict on eligibility breaches in recent years.
The committee insists that respecting regulations is crucial to ensuring fairness across all competitions.
For South Africa, the sanction adds pressure to an already intense qualifying campaign.
Fans have expressed anger on social media, blaming SAFA officials for what many call “avoidable negligence.”
Some supporters fear the error may cost the country a ticket to the 2026 tournament.
Despite the setback, the team still has a chance to qualify if it performs strongly in its remaining fixtures.
However, critics argue that administrative lapses continue to undermine African football, where mistakes off the pitch often overshadow achievements on it.
As the countdown to 2026 intensifies, FIFA’s decision serves as a warning to all federations. Compliance with rules, the governing body insists, is non-negotiable.
Post Views: 21
