Football’s world Governing body, FIFA has imposed a three-point deduction on South Africa for fielding ineligible player during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
FIFA confirmed the decision in an official press release, outlining the sanctions:
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in the South Africa vs. Lesotho match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ preliminary competition. This action breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations.”
As a result, the match has been forfeited by South Africa with a 3-0 scoreline in favor of Lesotho.
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Additionally, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has received a warning.
The decision was communicated to the involved parties today, and they have ten days to request a motivated decision, which would be published by FIFA.
However, the forfeiture decision is also subject to potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Group C Standings After Sanction:
Benin: Top of the group with 14 points and +4 goal difference
South Africa: Drops to second with 14 points and +3 goal difference
Nigeria: Third with 11 points and +2 goal difference
