In a surprising turn of events, the Lesotho Football Association has reportedly withdrawn its complaint to FIFA regarding South Africa fielding an ineligible player during their 2026 World Cup Qualifier last Friday.
South Africa currently leads Group C in the qualifiers with 13 points, holding a five-point advantage over second-placed Rwanda.
However, their campaign hit a potential roadblock after it was revealed that Teboho Mokoena, who should have been suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, featured in the match against Lesotho.
Lesotho had initially lodged an official complaint with FIFA, which, if upheld, could have resulted in a three-point deduction and a fine for South Africa. However, according to Oga Nla Media, the Lesotho FA has now reversed its decision and withdrawn the complaint.
According to @Cosimo_diMedici via @54footballx Football Booth;
The General-Secretary of Lesotho Football Association has confirmed that, they are withdrawing their complaint to FIFA about South Africa using an ineligible player.
The COSAFA politics. Let’s see how FIFA will…
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) March 27, 2025
Lesotho and South Africa share strong regional ties, with Lesotho being landlocked within South African territory. Their close relationship may have influenced the decision to drop the case, as South Africa has a more realistic chance of securing a World Cup spot compared to Nigeria.
Implications for Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes
Despite Lesotho’s withdrawal, football analyst Osasu Obayiuwana suggests FIFA may still deliberate on the matter. Should FIFA decide to sanction South Africa, it could significantly alter the dynamics of Group C.
Their withdrawal is irrelevant. FIFA’s disciplinary committee is duty bound to impose the sanction, as they did to us in December 2017, whether there is a complaint or not.
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) March 27, 2025
Teboho Mokoena of South Africa is challenged by Lehlohonolo Matsau of Lesotho during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Photo by Icon Sport
However, if no action is taken, South Africa would maintain their 13 points and need just two more wins from their remaining four matches—along with a solid goal difference—to secure qualification.
This latest development could be a major setback for Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making their upcoming fixtures even more crucial.
