The South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena are under the spotlight after FIFA officially opened disciplinary proceedings regarding the player’s eligibility during a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier. The development, announced this week, could have major ramifications for Bafana Bafana’s qualification hopes.
The Issue at Hand
The controversy surrounds the March 21, 2025, World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho, played in Polokwane City. South Africa won the encounter 2-0, but FIFA now alleges that Mokoena should not have taken part due to suspension.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star had previously collected yellow cards in matches against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe. FIFA’s disciplinary code clearly states that the accumulation of two bookings results in an automatic one-match ban. Despite this, Mokoena featured against Lesotho, raising red flags over compliance with the rules.
FIFA Confirms Breach
According to reports from South African broadcaster SABC, FIFA has formally confirmed that both SAFA and the player face charges related to breaching several disciplinary regulations. The specific allegation is the fielding of an ineligible player, a serious offence under international football law.
The case has now been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. Both SAFA and Mokoena have been given six days to provide their written responses. Should they fail to mount a convincing defence, FIFA could impose sanctions as severe as forfeiting the match result.
If that happens, Lesotho would be awarded a 3-0 victory, turning what had been a positive result for Bafana Bafana into a significant setback in their qualification journey.
Potential Consequences
The stakes are high. South Africa’s qualification group is finely balanced, with Nigeria, Benin, and South Africa all fighting for top positions. Losing three points to Lesotho would damage Bafana Bafana’s chances of securing one of Africa’s coveted tickets to the 2026 tournament, which will be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Coach Hugo Broos’ side has shown flashes of progress in recent months, including holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw earlier this month. That result had boosted their confidence, but a points deduction would undo much of their good work.
SAFA Under Pressure
Attention has quickly turned to SAFA’s administrative processes. Critics argue that the oversight reflects poorly on the federation’s ability to manage crucial details in international competition. “These are the basics,” said one local football analyst. “Ensuring player eligibility is non-negotiable. It should never reach this stage.”
Others, however, have defended SAFA, suggesting that the situation may stem from confusion over match records or communication errors between officials and FIFA. Regardless, the matter highlights the importance of meticulous record-keeping in international football.
Expert Opinions
Legal experts in South Africa have already begun dissecting the case. A sports lawyer, quoted earlier this week, argued that while FIFA rules leave little room for leniency, mitigating factors could influence the committee’s final decision. “Fielding an ineligible player is a strict liability offence,” he said. “But FIFA does consider whether the breach was intentional or due to negligence.”
Still, history shows FIFA often imposes firm sanctions in such cases, prioritising fairness and the integrity of competition. Similar incidents in the past have led to match forfeitures, regardless of mitigating circumstances.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the disciplinary case, the situation underscores a broader challenge facing African teams in World Cup qualification. With so much at stake and only limited places available, even the smallest administrative error can have seismic consequences. For South Africa, the risk is not just losing three points but also damaging team morale and public trust.
Lesotho, meanwhile, stand to benefit enormously if awarded a 3-0 win. The Crocodiles, ranked 153rd in the world, would relish such a boost in their campaign, particularly after losing the original fixture.
Waiting for FIFA’s Verdict
For now, all eyes are on FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which will review the case in the coming weeks. SAFA’s defence will be critical in determining the outcome. The federation will likely argue that the incident was a clerical oversight rather than a deliberate attempt to flout the rules.
Whatever the verdict, the case serves as a stark reminder of how crucial administrative diligence is in international football. For Bafana Bafana, who are desperate to return to the World Cup after missing out on recent editions, the timing could not be more damaging.
If found guilty, South Africa’s path to the 2026 World Cup will become significantly more complicated. If cleared, however, the team can continue building momentum with their qualification hopes intact. Either way, the spotlight on SAFA’s handling of player eligibility will linger well beyond the committee’s decision.
