FIFA Deducts 3 Points from South Africa Over Ineligible Player in World Cup Qualifiers
FIFA deducted three points from South Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena. The ruling, announced September 29, 2025, forfeits a win against Lesotho, shaking up Group C standings and threatening Bafana Bafana’s qualification hopes.
FIFA Deducts 3 Points from South Africa Over Ineligible Player in World Cup Qualifiers
FIFA has deducted three points from South Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying tally after the team fielded an ineligible player in a March match. The ruling, issued on September 29, 2025, has sparked outrage and jeopardized Bafana Bafana’s campaign for the expanded tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The penalty arises from an administrative error by the South African Football Association (SAFA), which allowed midfielder Teboho Mokoena to play despite a suspension for accumulated yellow cards. This breached FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, leading to the forfeiture of a 2-0 win against Lesotho, now recorded as a 3-0 loss for South Africa.
The Blunder and FIFA’s Verdict
The incident occurred during the March 21, 2025, qualifier at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Mokoena, a pivotal player for Mamelodi Sundowns, featured fully despite his ban from two prior yellow cards in Group C matches. FIFA rules mandate a one-game suspension for such accumulations.
After a lengthy probe, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled the match forfeited, docking South Africa three points and adjusting their goal difference. SAFA also faces a 10,000 Swiss Francs fine, while Mokoena received a warning without further bans. SAFA has 10 days to appeal, labeling the decision “unprecedented” and seeking detailed explanations.
Insiders attribute the mistake to SAFA’s operational inefficiencies, a recurring issue in African football administration.
Impact on Group C Dynamics
PBefore the sanction, South Africa led CAF Group C with 17 points from seven games. Now at 14 points, they tie Benin but lag on goal difference (+3 vs. +4). Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda trail by three points at 11 each, intensifying the competition.
In the 2026 format, group winners qualify directly, with runners-up in playoffs. The deduction elevates Lesotho to six points and has drawn criticism from Benin coach Gernot Rohr over FIFA’s delayed resolution, which created uncertainty during recent matches.
South Africa faces critical away fixtures against Benin on October 11 and Rwanda on October 14. Poor results could push them into playoffs, diminishing chances of their first World Cup since 2010.
Reactions and Calls for Reform
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie blasted SAFA’s “incompetence,” promising an investigation and accountability. Coach Hugo Broos admitted the error, expressing embarrassment but urging focus on upcoming games.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan voiced disappointment and committed to fixes. This echoes past cases, like Nigeria’s 2018 point deduction for ineligible Shehu Abdullahi and Cape Verde’s 2014 playoff loss over Fernando Varela’s suspension.
Lessons for African Football
The sanction highlights administrative vulnerabilities in African federations, including underfunding and error-prone systems. FIFA’s strict enforcement, while equitable, amplifies high-stakes consequences.
For South Africa, the setback tests resilience amid national hopes for revival. Fans have mobilized online with #JusticeForBafana, supporting the team despite the off-field drama.
As the appeal looms, the path to 2026 narrows. Precision in administration proves as essential as on-field performance in modern football.
Sources:
• ESPN
• Reuters
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