INFANTINO
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during the March 21, 2025, match against Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In a statement released on Monday, FIFA confirmed that SAFA breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations. Consequently, the match has been forfeited, awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho.
SAFA was also fined CHF 10,000 (approximately $12,541), while Mokoena received a formal warning. The parties have been notified and have 10 days to respond under FIFA rules, with the decision subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
The ruling significantly impacts Group C of the African qualifiers. South Africa and Benin Republic now lead the group with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely with 11 points apiece.
The forfeiture has heightened competition within the group as teams jockey for qualification ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.