The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible participant, Teboho Mokoena, throughout their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match towards Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
Mokoena, who ought to have been suspended after accumulating two yellow playing cards towards Benin and Zimbabwe, featured in South Africa’s 2-0 win in Polokwane.
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FIFA dominated this a violation of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup Preliminary Competitors Laws.
FIFA confirmed that each SAFA and Mokoena have been notified of the choice. The South African physique has ten days to request a motivated resolution and retains the suitable to enchantment earlier than the FIFA Attraction Committee.
“The foundations are clear. All associations should respect participant eligibility necessities, and violations can’t be ignored,” FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee acknowledged.
In consequence, South Africa’s victory has been overturned, with FIFA awarding a 3-0 forfeit win to Lesotho. SAFA has additionally been fined CHF 10,000, whereas Mokoena acquired a proper warning.
The ruling drops South Africa to second place in Group C on objective distinction behind Benin, whereas Lesotho stay fifth.
