Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) attorney Raymond Hack has blasted the South African Football Association (SAFA) after Bafana Bafana fielded suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Mokoena played in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March despite having accumulated two yellow cards, a sanction that should have ruled him out.
Nigeria have since lodged a complaint with FIFA, leaving Bafana Bafana’s campaign in Group C under threat.
Hack, a former SAFA chief executive, told KickOff that both the federation and the player had failed in their duty.
“It’s very clear, the rules say you cannot play when suspended. The onus is on the association and the player. Somebody dropped the ball, and it has brought the country into disrepute,” Hack said.
Raymond Hack. Photo Credit: Backpage
If FIFA rules in favour of Nigeria, South Africa would forfeit the result, with the 2-0 win overturned to a 3-0 defeat. That would cut their lead at the top of the group from 13 points to 10.
Hack also criticised Mokoena directly, insisting the midfielder should have refused to play.
“The player had a duty as well, he knows when he’s been booked. He’s a professional, playing for the national team. By taking part, he’s been dishonest,” Hack told KickOff.
Teboho Mokoena of South Africa is challenged by Lehlohonolo Matsau of Lesotho during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Photo by Icon Sport
Despite the ongoing row, Bafana coach Hugo Broos has still named Mokoena in his provisional squad for September’s qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
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Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday named a 31-man provisional squad for September’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Image Credit: NFF/X
The Super Eagles, who sit fourth in Group C on seven points after six games, trail leaders Bafana Bafana by six points. Victories in both matches are seen as crucial to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Head coach Eric Chelle has called up key figures including captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi.
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Nigeria face Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on 6 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa three days later.
