FIFA Opens Disciplinary Case Against South Africa Over Ineligible Player
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana defeated the Crocodiles 2-0 on March 21, 2025, in Polokwane. However, the result is now under scrutiny after it emerged that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was not eligible to play.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe, which automatically triggered a one-match suspension.
According to reports from SABC, FIFA confirmed that both SAFA and Mokoena face charges for breaching multiple disciplinary regulations. The matter has now been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the result, handing Lesotho a 3-0 victory and potentially reshaping Group C’s qualification race.
Opinion: A Costly Oversight That Could Rewrite Bafana’s World Cup Dream
Football, at its core, is about discipline—on and off the pitch. While South Africa celebrated their 2-0 win over Lesotho, the shadow of administrative error now threatens to undo that triumph. The possible consequence—losing the points and handing Lesotho a 3-0 victory—would not only be a setback in their World Cup qualifying campaign but also a dent in the credibility of SAFA.
Such mistakes raise important questions: How does a national football body overlook suspension rules in a crucial qualifying match? In modern football, where every card is logged and tracked, the excuse of “not knowing” simply doesn’t hold water.
For South Africa, this could be a turning point. Either they learn the lesson and tighten their structures, or they risk repeating costly errors that waste the hard work of players and coaches alike. For Lesotho, it’s a reminder that in football, persistence—and sometimes a bit of luck—can tilt the scales.
At the end of the day, FIFA’s decision will not only impact Group C standings but also serve as a warning across African football: administrative discipline is just as important as tactical discipline.
