The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
Mokoena, who should have been suspended after accumulating two yellow cards against Benin and Zimbabwe, featured in South Africa’s 2-0 win in Polokwane.
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FIFA ruled this a violation of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations.
FIFA confirmed that both SAFA and Mokoena have been notified of the decision. The South African body has ten days to request a motivated decision and retains the right to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
“The rules are clear. All associations must respect player eligibility requirements, and violations cannot be overlooked,” FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee stated.
As a result, South Africa’s victory has been overturned, with FIFA awarding a 3-0 forfeit win to Lesotho. SAFA has also been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning.
The ruling drops South Africa to second place in Group C on goal difference behind Benin, while Lesotho remain fifth.
