FIFA Penalizes South Africa For World Cup Qualifier Ineligible Player

FIFA has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding Teboho Mokoena, an ineligible player, in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho, which South Africa had initially won 2-0. Due to Mokoena's accumulated yellow cards warranting suspension, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho and fined SAFA CHF 10,000. Mokoena received a formal warning, while SAFA has ten days to request a motivated decision and may appeal the ruling. The forfeiture causes South Africa to drop to second place in Group C behind Benin on goal difference, intensifying the qualifications battle with Rwanda and Nigeria. The decision has injected uncertainty into the final rounds of African qualifiers, with upcoming matches becoming more critical for all involved teams. Despite Lesotho not filing a complaint within the official window, FIFA proceeded with the sanction following their delayed communication.