FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena for fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier.
According to multiple reports, including SABC Sport, FIFA has confirmed that both Mokoena and the South African Football Association (SAFA) face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations relating to the use of an ineligible player.
The controversy centres on South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho on 21 March in Polokwane. Mokoena, 28, was fielded despite being suspended after collecting yellow cards against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024.
In a letter dated 15 September, FIFA referred the matter to its Disciplinary Committee, giving both SAFA and Mokoena six days to respond.
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Under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, fielding an ineligible player usually results in the forfeiture of the match, with the score overturned to 3–0 regardless of the actual result. Additional sanctions, such as fines or suspensions, may also be imposed.
If the result is overturned, South Africa would lose three points but remain top of Group C on goal difference, level with Benin after eight matches. Lesotho’s tally would rise to nine points, though they would stay in fifth place.
The Super Eagles will remain third on 11 points with matches against Lesotho a d Benin Republic to come.
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Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, still have crucial fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October. Their qualification hopes may hinge on both those results and FIFA’s eventual ruling.
SAFA has not yet issued a public statement on the case.
