Sports / Soccer
FIFA probes South Africa over ineligible Mokoena
6 hrs ago | 122 Views
FIFA has officially opened an investigation into South Africa for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the player being ineligible.
Mokoena had accumulated yellow cards on matchday one and matchday four, which should have ruled him out of the matchday five clash. However, he featured for 82 minutes before being substituted, raising questions over South Africa's compliance with FIFA disciplinary regulations.
According to SABC Sport, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been formally notified of the probe, with both the federation and the player facing charges of breaching FIFA rules. They now have six days to respond in writing, after which the case will be referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for a full hearing.
If found guilty, South Africa would forfeit the match, lose three points, and pay a minimum fine of US$7,500. This sanction could reshape the Group C standings in the CAF qualifiers.
Currently, Bafana Bafana sit on 17 points, but a deduction would see them drop to 14 points - level with Benin Republic - though they would remain top on goal difference. The adjustment would also close the gap with Nigeria, who are on 11 points, reviving the Super Eagles' chances of qualification. Lesotho, meanwhile, would be awarded three points, moving them to nine, though they would stay in fifth place behind Rwanda (11 points).
The development has sparked outrage among South African fans, many of whom are criticising SAFA and the technical team for failing to notice such a costly oversight in a high-stakes qualifier.
Mokoena had accumulated yellow cards on matchday one and matchday four, which should have ruled him out of the matchday five clash. However, he featured for 82 minutes before being substituted, raising questions over South Africa's compliance with FIFA disciplinary regulations.
According to SABC Sport, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been formally notified of the probe, with both the federation and the player facing charges of breaching FIFA rules. They now have six days to respond in writing, after which the case will be referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for a full hearing.
Currently, Bafana Bafana sit on 17 points, but a deduction would see them drop to 14 points - level with Benin Republic - though they would remain top on goal difference. The adjustment would also close the gap with Nigeria, who are on 11 points, reviving the Super Eagles' chances of qualification. Lesotho, meanwhile, would be awarded three points, moving them to nine, though they would stay in fifth place behind Rwanda (11 points).
The development has sparked outrage among South African fans, many of whom are criticising SAFA and the technical team for failing to notice such a costly oversight in a high-stakes qualifier.
Source - online
