FIFA Probes South Africa Over Ineligible Player in World Cup Qualifier

FIFA has opened disciplinary action against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena for using an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier.

Reports, including from SABC Sport, confirmed that both Mokoena and SAFA have been charged with breaking FIFA’s rules on player eligibility.

The issue comes from South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho on 21 March in Polokwane. Mokoena, 28, played in the game even though he was suspended after picking up yellow cards against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024.

In a letter dated 15 September, FIFA referred the case to its Disciplinary Committee and gave SAFA and Mokoena six days to reply.

According to FIFA’s rules, if a team fields an ineligible player, the result is usually overturned to a 3–0 defeat, regardless of the score on the pitch. Other punishments, such as fines or further suspensions, may also follow.

If South Africa’s result is changed, they would lose three points but stay top of Group C on goal difference, level with Benin after eight matches. Lesotho would move to nine points but remain in fifth place. Nigeria’s Super Eagles would stay third on 11 points, with matches against Lesotho and Benin still to play.

Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, still have key games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October. Their hopes of reaching the World Cup could depend on those results and FIFA’s final decision.

SAFA has not yet made any public comment on the matter.