The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been sanctioned by FIFA after fielding an ineligible player in a recent World Cup qualifying match.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed that Teboho Mokoena was not eligible to participate in South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preliminary match against Lesotho, which took place on 21 March 2025 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. This action violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
As a result, the match has been officially forfeited, with South Africa handed a 3-0 loss. SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning.
Following the deduction, Bafana Bafana now sit second in their group, behind Benin, who are level on points but ahead on goal difference.
FIFA has notified all parties of the decision, and SAFA has ten days to request a motivated decision, which may be published on legal.fifa.com if submitted. The ruling is also subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
This sanction marks a significant setback for South Africa as it seeks to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Looking ahead, Bafana Bafana’s qualification campaign continues with two crucial matches next month. They will face Zimbabwe on 10 October 2025 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, followed by a match against Rwanda on 14 October 2025 at the Mbombela Stadium. These fixtures are pivotal for South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.