– South Africa sanctioned for fielding ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho
– Bafana Bafana deducted three points to
– Lesotho awarded 3-0 win, 3 points
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) after midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded while ineligible during the World Cup 2026™ preliminary match against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
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By breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 14 of the World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations, South Africa has been handed a 3-0 forfeit loss for the fixture.
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In addition, SAFA must pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has received a formal warning.
The parties were notified of the ruling today. Under FIFA’s disciplinary framework, they have ten days to request a full written explanation of the decision, which would be published on legal.fifa.com if requested.
The forfeiture ruling may also be challenged before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Despite the deduction, South Africa still tops Group C with 14 points from 8 games, with Lesotho receiving 9 from the same number of matches.
On the other hand, Nigeria seat in third place with 11 points, while Benin Republic remain behind Bafana Bafana in second place with 14 points and lesser goal difference.
