US EditionSouth Africa Stripped of Win in World Cup Qualifying for Ineligible Player and Loses Group Lead
South Africa lost three points and was fined CHF 10,000 for fielding suspended player Teboho Mokoena, dropping them to second place in Group C of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
- On September 29, 2025, FIFA ruled that South Africa forfeited their 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21 due to an ineligible player.
- FIFA found South Africa guilty of fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended after accumulating two cautions in previous qualifiers.
- As a result, FIFA deducted three points and three goals from South Africa, awarded Lesotho a 3-0 forfeit victory, and fined SAFA 10,000 Swiss Francs.
- This penalty dropped South Africa from first to second in Group C with 14 points, elevating Benin on goal difference and tightening qualification.
- The ruling complicates South Africa's bid for the 2026 World Cup and boosts Nigeria's chances, while SAFA has 10 days to appeal the decision.
95 Articles
95 Articles
The 3rd qualifying group in the African zone was a mixed bag as leaders South Africa paid dearly for using a suspended player in their victorious match against indifferent Lesotho and fell to 2nd place in the standings.
S. Africa lose World Cup qualifying points over ineligible player
South Africa have forfeited a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, world football governing body FIFA announced on Monday. South Africa's 2-0 victory on March 21 in Polokwane has been replaced with a 3-0 defeat meaning they drop to second place in Group C of the African qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth. South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary C…
SAFA to appeal FIFA ruling; Sports ministry to investigate 'incompetence'
The South African Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed their intention to appeal after FIFA docked Bafana Bafana three World Cup Qualifying points for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho on March 21.
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