September 29, 2025 | Abuja/Johannesburg
The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has sanctioned South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, stripping them of three crucial points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player. The ruling has dramatically altered the Group C standings and dealt a heavy blow to South Africa’s hopes of automatic qualification.
The Incident
The controversy stems from South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March 2025 during a Group C qualifier played in Polokwane. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later determined that midfielder Teboho Mokoena had been ineligible to play, as he was serving a suspension following two prior yellow cards received earlier in the qualifying campaign — one against Benin and another against Zimbabwe.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, any player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension. Despite this, Mokoena was fielded against Lesotho, effectively violating the competition’s eligibility rules.
Following Lesotho’s complaint and FIFA’s subsequent investigation, the world football governing body imposed sanctions:
- South Africa’s 2–0 victory was overturned.
- Lesotho were awarded a 3–0 forfeit win.
- Bafana Bafana lost three points from their tally.
- The South African Football Association (SAFA) was fined CHF 10,000 (approximately US$12,500).
- Mokoena received a formal warning.
FIFA’s Official Ruling
In its decision published on Monday, September 29, FIFA reaffirmed its strict stance on eligibility rules, noting that allowing ineligible players compromises the integrity of the competition.
“The Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding a player who was not eligible to participate in the World Cup Qualifier against Lesotho. In accordance with FIFA regulations, the match is declared forfeited and awarded 3–0 in favour of Lesotho,” FIFA’s statement read.
Consequences for Group C
The decision has dramatically shifted the landscape of Group C in the African qualifiers:
- South Africa, who previously led the group, now drop three points, leaving them tied with Benin on 14 points, but second due to goal difference.
- Benin move into pole position, strengthening their chances of automatic qualification.
- Nigeria and Rwanda, both on 11 points, are now within striking distance, turning the final round of qualifiers into a highly competitive race.
Only the top team in each group qualifies directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Runners-up head into playoffs for a chance to reach the global tournament.
South Africa’s Response
The South African Football Association (SAFA) admitted the error, describing it as an “administrative lapse” but emphasized that the punishment was harsh given the timing.
SAFA spokesperson, Mihlali Mayekiso, said:
“We acknowledge the oversight in fielding Teboho Mokoena when he should have served a suspension. It was an unfortunate administrative error. However, we are disappointed with the severity of the punishment and the time FIFA took to issue this ruling, as it disrupts the momentum of the qualifiers.”
Head coach Hugo Broos also expressed regret over the incident, admitting that it was an avoidable mistake.
“This is a costly error. We had the points, we had the lead, and now everything is in danger because of something that should have been prevented. We must now fight even harder in the last matches.”
Lesotho’s Position
For Lesotho, the decision offers a bittersweet boost. Despite initially losing 2–0 on the pitch, they now gain three points and a 3–0 result by default. While the additional points will not guarantee them qualification, it provides a morale lift and reinforces the importance of challenging irregularities.
Criticism of FIFA’s Timing
One major point of contention has been the delay in FIFA’s ruling. The infraction occurred in March 2025, yet the disciplinary decision was only communicated in late September — just weeks before the final round of qualifiers.
Analysts and coaches across Africa have criticized FIFA for the delay, arguing that such rulings should be delivered promptly to avoid distorting the qualification race.
Nigerian football analyst, Segun Oguns, remarked:
“The issue isn’t only about South Africa. The delay in delivering this ruling has impacted the strategies of every team in Group C. If FIFA had acted earlier, coaches would have approached the last qualifiers differently.”
The Group C Table After Sanction
With the points adjustment, the table now looks like this:
- Benin – 14 points (top on goal difference)
- South Africa – 14 points
- Nigeria – 11 points
- Rwanda – 11 points
- Lesotho – awarded three points, still outside contention
This reshuffle means the race is wide open, with Nigeria and Rwanda still in contention, depending on results in the last round of games.
What’s Next for South Africa?
South Africa’s qualification hopes are still alive but far more precarious. To qualify directly:
- They must win their remaining fixtures.
- They will also depend on Benin dropping points.
If South Africa finishes second, they will have to settle for a playoff — a far tougher route given the strength of teams likely to finish second in other groups.
Lessons for African Football
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about administrative diligence in African football:
- Eligibility checks must be rigorous.
- Failure to track suspensions and cards can cost nations dearly.
- FIFA must also improve the speed of communication and enforcement of disciplinary rulings to ensure fairness.
Football observers believe the punishment will encourage other federations to tighten administrative procedures to prevent a repeat.
Conclusion
FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from South Africa over the ineligible appearance of Teboho Mokoena has thrown Group C of the African qualifiers into chaos. What looked like a straightforward march to the World Cup for Bafana Bafana is now an uphill battle, with Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda reinvigorated by the sudden twist.
With the final qualifying fixtures looming in October, Africa is set for a dramatic climax in the road to the 2026 World Cup. For South Africa, it is now a test not only of skill on the pitch but also of resilience and character in the face of adversity.
