South African Football Association Appeals FIFA's 3-Point Deduction Over Ineligible Player

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined and docked three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, resulting in a 3-0 forfeit loss that cost South Africa the top spot in Group C. SAFA expressed deep disappointment with the ruling, criticizing the decision being made by a single-member panel without the opportunity to present their case, and they have formally requested detailed reasons for the ruling and plan to appeal within FIFA's 10-day window. South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, condemned the administrative oversight and announced a governmental investigation into the incident, calling it a source of national embarrassment. Despite the setback, SAFA remains committed to supporting the national team, which still has a chance to qualify for the World Cup but now faces a more challenging path needing to win their remaining matches. The decision follows FIFA's clear regulations that automatically forfeit matches where an ineligible player is fielded, with similar precedents affecting other national teams in past World Cup qualifiers. Public reactions in South Africa are mixed, with some expressing concern and others hopeful about the team's prospects, while SAFA urges continued public support for Bafana Bafana.