The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition match against Lesotho held on March 21, 2025. This breach of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code and World Cup regulations has led to South Africa forfeiting the match with a 3-0 scoreline in favor of Lesotho.
SAFA’s decision to play Mokoena came despite him being suspended following the accumulation of two yellow cards in prior matches against Benin and Zimbabwe, violating Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations. Consequently, South Africa’s initial 2-0 win was overturned, resulting in a deduction of three points and a significant impact on their standing in Group C.
The sanction also includes a financial penalty, with SAFA ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 (approximately R216,500). The player, Teboho Mokoena, received a formal warning for the breach. The federation has ten days to appeal the decision, which will be reviewed by the FIFA Appeal Committee if pursued.
This disciplinary action places South Africa in second place within their qualifying group behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remains in fifth place. The points deduction jeopardizes South Africa’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, intensifying competition within the group.
FIFA’s ruling emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to player eligibility rules to maintain fairness and integrity in international competitions. The decision is a stern reminder to all national associations to carefully manage suspensions and player eligibility to avoid costly penalties.
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