The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has officially lodged their complaint to FIFA, against South Africa’s choice of using Teboho Mokoena in last Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The Lesotho categorically stated that the midfielder was not qualified to play due to how many yellow cards he has amassed over time. They also argued that South Africa should be stripped of the three points from their 2-0 victory.
Based on FIFA’s led-down rules and regulations, a player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-game suspension.
Mokoena received bookings in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin in November 2023 and their 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in November 2024.
However, Mokoena was fielded against Lesotho, raising concerns over a breach of the rules.
LFA secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi acknowledged the letter sent to FIFA and stated that South Africa’s governing body, Safa, should have been aware of the suspension.
“We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings and have sent a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA.”
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” The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points,” Mohapi was quoted as saying by Sowetan Live. He said.
Mohapi also speculates that Nigeria might join the protest, stating that they had every right to do so.
“We have heard that Nigeria also wants to protest, and they too are entitled to that because the result prejudices everyone.
Teboho Mokoena received two yellow cards in different games
“Suppose it was us who fielded an ineligible player and got the points—Bafana would have done the same,” he added.
The NFF has started moves on establishing a case against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in Theboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho during the last round of games in the world cup qualifiers.
As it stands, South Africa could forfeit the three points from last week’s match, and a 3-0 win would be awarded to Lesotho.
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A precedent exists, as FIFA handed Botswana a similar victory in 2013 when Ethiopia fielded an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier.
Questions over Mokoena’s eligibility grew stronger when he was absent from South Africa’s lineup against Benin on Tuesday, suggesting Safa was aware of the risk.
FIFA responds is still pending, South Africa now faces the possibility of losing vital points in their World Cup qualifying campaign, while Nigeria and other Group C teams closely monitor the situation.
