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FIFA charged South Africa Football Association and Teboho Mokoena for fielding him while suspended in a World Cup qualifier.
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The 2–0 victory over Lesotho now risks being overturned.
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The final ruling could shape South Africa’s World Cup journey.
FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena after he played while suspended in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
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SABC Sport reports that Mokoena started in the 2–0 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on 21 March, even though he picked up yellow cards against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024.
According to FIFA regulations, those two warnings resulted in a one-match suspension.
FIFA sent SAFA a letter dated 15 September 2025, seen by the broadcaster, charging the player and the association with fielding an ineligible player and other breaches.
FIFA referred the case to the Disciplinary Committee and gave SAFA and Mokoena six days to file a formal response.
If the committee rules against them, FIFA could overturn the Polokwane result and award Lesotho a 3–0 win on paper.
FIFA has the authority to suspend or hit the association or the player with fine.
Such a forfeit would keep coach Hugo Broos’s side level on points with Benin after eight matches, while South Africa would still lead on goal difference.
https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/fifa-opens-case-against-safa-over-teboho-mokoena-eligibility
Lesotho would move up from six to nine points in the meantime, potentially changing the group standings.
SAFA has not issued an official statement. Meanwhile, officials and supporters are still awaiting the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling.
South Africa faces two final qualifiers in October against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, so every result now matters.
