The world’s football governing body, FIFA, “has officially opened disciplinary actions against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in March”.
The South African outlet, SABC Sport, revealed that FIFA has leveled charges against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Mokoena.
The report stated, “In a letter to SAFA dated September 15, 2025 – seen by the public broadcaster, FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.
“The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response.”
Bafana Bafana fielded Mokoena despite his ineligibility, as the 28-year-old midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which triggered a “one-match ban.”
If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the result of the match, which would give Lesotho a “3–0 victory on paper.”
Other sanctions could also be imposed.
A potential deduction would see South Africa’s lead in Group C reduced, as they would be tied on points with the Benin Republic (14) and have a three-point gap with Nigeria, leaving the race for the automatic ticket open.
Lesotho’s tally would increase from six to nine points, but they would remain in fifth place.
South Africa will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers in October, while Nigeria will play Lesotho (away) and the Benin Republic (home) with the “hope that South Africa slip up in either or both of their fixtures.”
FIFA recently punished Equatorial Guinea for “also fielding an ineligible player, Emilio Nsue,” a decision that was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
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