FIFA sanctions SAFA over ineligible player in World Cup Qualifier

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been sanctioned by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during South Africa’s World Cup 2026™ preliminary match against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.

According to FIFA, SAFA’s actions violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited by the representative team of South Africa by a score of 3-0.

SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10 000 (R216,500) to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.

The parties were notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FDC, they have 10 days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.FIFA.com. The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

ROAD AHEAD FOR BAFANA

Bafana Bafana now find themselves tied on 14 points with Benin in Group C, separated only by goal difference and the margin for error has vanished.

South Africa must regroup and prepare for their final two qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda knowing that only a full six points will be enough to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Even then, their fate may not be entirely in their hands, as they will also need Benin to drop points in either of their remaining fixtures against Nigeria or Lesotho.

❌ NOT the player’s responsibility

Teboho Mokoena received the first yellow card on the 18th of November 2023 🟨

Bafana Bafana then plays 13 games, (incl. an AFCON tournament).

7 months later.. Teboho Mokoena receives his second yellow card on the 11th of June 2024. 🟨… pic.twitter.com/8EtafAdep6
— Michael Morton (@MMORTON6) September 30, 2025

SAFA’S RESPONSE

The association issued a statement shortly after the sanctions were made public.

"As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments.

"The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.

"Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead.

"We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers," read the statement.