FIFA Disciplinary Proceedings Threaten South Africa’s World Cup Qualification Hopes

FIFA Disciplinary Proceedings Threaten South Africa’s World Cup Qualification Hopes

FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena after he was fielded while reportedly under suspension during a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

FIFA Probes Ineligible Player in South Africa’s Win Over Lesotho

The investigation centres on South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho on 21 March, in which Mokoena played despite having accumulated two yellow cards in prior matches—one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in June 2024. According to FIFA rules, this triggered a mandatory one-match ban, which he had yet to serve.

FIFA’s disciplinary letter, reportedly dated 15 September 2025, notified both Mokoena and SAFA of the charges. The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with a six-day window for responses from both parties.

Also Read: Nigeria and Benin Turn Up Heat on FIFA Over South Africa’s Ineligible Player

Possible Consequences for South Africa

If FIFA rules against them, Bafana Bafana could forfeit the match, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory. This would reduce South Africa’s points to 14, placing them level with Benin at the top of the qualification group.

While goal difference would still favour South Africa, the decision could complicate their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Regional Pressure on FIFA

The situation has drawn public criticism from other nations in the group. Benin coach Gernot Rohr expressed frustration at the delay:

“It is not normal that we don’t know the situation about the points on the log table before our games this week. It is very, very strange. Normally, South Africa should lose three points and they should go to Lesotho. But nobody knows why FIFA has not taken this decision.”

The Nigeria Football Federation echoed Rohr’s concerns, emphasizing that FIFA must act promptly:

“The world still awaits FIFA’s decision,” the federation said.

Both Nigeria and Benin maintain that the disciplinary outcome could directly influence which teams qualify from the group, intensifying the pressure on FIFA to resolve the matter quickly.

SAFA Yet to Respond

As of now, SAFA has not issued a public statement regarding the disciplinary proceedings or the potential implications for South Africa’s qualification campaign.