South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major blow after FIFA deducted three points from their campaign for fielding an ineligible player.
The punishment stems from the use of Teboho Mokoena in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho earlier in the qualifiers. Mokoena should have been suspended after accumulating two yellow cards but was allowed to play, breaching FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
Following the ruling, the result has been overturned to a 3-0 victory in favor of Lesotho, stripping South Africa of the three points they had initially gained. In addition, FIFA imposed a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs on the South African Football Association (SAFA), while Mokoena received an official warning.
Impact on Group C standings
The deduction has shaken up Group C in the CAF World Cup qualifiers. South Africa, who had been leading the group, are now tied on 14 points with Benin, though Benin holds the advantage on goal difference. This development also gives Nigeria renewed hope, as they now trail the leading pair by just three points.
Reactions and controversies
South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, admitted the team’s administrative error but criticized the delay in FIFA’s decision, arguing that the ruling should have been communicated earlier. SAFA also contended that Lesotho’s failure to lodge a protest immediately after the match should have allowed the 2-0 scoreline to stand.
Despite these objections, FIFA’s decision is final and has reignited debates about administrative diligence within African football associations. The ruling also places immense pressure on South Africa to secure maximum points in their remaining fixtures if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Source: Thepressradio.com
