FIFA, the global governing body of football, has docked South Africa three points for playing midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the qualifier against Lesotho in Polokwane in March, which Bafana won 2–0.

Mokoena should have been suspended for that match after picking up two yellow cards in earlier games. However, an administrative error – or negligence – saw him taking the field against the Mountain Kingdom. This could prove to be very costly for South Africa, and there should be accountability.

Teboho Mokoena. Photo: Morgan Piek

Although the matter has taken months to resolve, FIFA has now confirmed that South Africa’s points for that win have been deducted, and the goals expunged from their record. Instead, Lesotho has been awarded the three points.

Before the sanction, South Africa led Group C with 17 points and enjoyed a goal difference of +8. They now drop to 14 points, level with Benin, but remain top of the group thanks to a superior goal difference of +5. But this is by a single goal.

FIFA explained that, after review, the result was forfeited by South Africa with a 3–0 scoreline awarded to Lesotho. In addition, SAFA was fined CHF 10,000 (around R216,500), while Mokoena himself received a warning.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition, thereby breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations,” FIFA stated.

“Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match forfeited by South Africa by a score of 3–0. SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.”

FIFA added that the decision remains open to appeal, with SAFA having ten days to submit their case.

SAFA has already indicated they will challenge the ruling:

“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,” the association said.

“The association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules. Despite the outcome, the association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign.”

Bafana Bafana still have two qualifiers to play: against Zimbabwe in Durban and against Rwanda in Nelspruit. Winning both matches has now become non-negotiable – and the team will also need to boost their goal difference. Dropping points could prove disastrous for a side that has been the standout performer in the group up to this point.

Teboho Mokoena in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

They cannot afford to rely on favours from Rwanda or Nigeria, who will both face Benin in the final rounds. Ironically, the sanction has created a catch-22, as it leaves the door open for those two teams to push for qualification as well.

Zimbabwe will host Bafana at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban next Friday in their penultimate qualifier, before Hugo Broos’s side faces Rwanda four days later at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs