FIFA has imposed sanctions on South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, after midfielder Teboho Mokoena was found to have been fielded ineligible during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho.
Mokoena, who should have served a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, was mistakenly included in the squad and featured in the game.
As a result, FIFA has deducted points from South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers, imposed a fine of $10,800 USD on the South African Football Association (SAFA) and issued a formal warning to Teboho Mokoena.
The ruling deals a significant blow to Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifying hopes, as the loss of points alters their standing in Group E.
The Bafana Bafana despite the points deduction still lead the table but are tied on points with Bennin who are on 14 points. Nigeria and Rwanda occupy the third and fourth positions respectively with 11 points each while Lesotho, who are on six points, sit fifth with Zimbabwe at rock bottom with four points after eight games.
Neither SAFA nor Mokoena have publicly commented on the decision yet, but the sanction is expected to spark debate over administrative lapses and their impact on South Africa’s qualification campaign.
Mokoena, who should have served a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, was mistakenly included in the squad and featured in the game.
As a result, FIFA has deducted points from South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers, imposed a fine of $10,800 USD on the South African Football Association (SAFA) and issued a formal warning to Teboho Mokoena.
The ruling deals a significant blow to Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifying hopes, as the loss of points alters their standing in Group E.
The Bafana Bafana despite the points deduction still lead the table but are tied on points with Bennin who are on 14 points. Nigeria and Rwanda occupy the third and fourth positions respectively with 11 points each while Lesotho, who are on six points, sit fifth with Zimbabwe at rock bottom with four points after eight games.
Neither SAFA nor Mokoena have publicly commented on the decision yet, but the sanction is expected to spark debate over administrative lapses and their impact on South Africa’s qualification campaign.
