The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it’ll soon appeal a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee which docked South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player.
FIFA ruled that SAFA erroneously fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025. The committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0.
The association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 (R216 000) while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
Mokoena received a yellow card in November 2023 against Benin, and his second caution came in June 2024 against Zimbabwe.
According to FIFA tournament rules, a “player who accumulates two yellow cards over two different matches is automatically suspended for the next match.”
The ruling sees Bafana drop to 14 points but are tied with Benin due to goal difference, while Nigeria is in third position. SAFA said it’ll request reasons for the punishment and will appeal the ruling.
“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the association an opportunity to present legal arguments. The association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules,” read a statement from SAFA.
The association said it is not deterred by the ruling, adding that its focus is on qualifying for the World Cup.
“Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign.
“The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign,” added the statement.
SAFA has called on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.
This as the team will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on 14 October.
Meanwhile Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has lambasted SAFA for the administrative bungle, describing it as deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to the nation and the game of football.
“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it. The department will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences,” said McKenzie.
