SCM Staff Writer I Tuesday, Sept 30, 2025
ZURICH, Switzerland – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been sanctioned by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, resulting in the forfeiture of a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition match due to the fielding of an ineligible player.
In a decision published on September 29, 2025, FIFA confirmed that the match between South Africa and Lesotho, played on March 21, 2025, has been declared a 3-0 victory for Lesotho. The forfeiture overturns the original result and deals a significant blow to South Africa’s World Cup qualification hopes.
The ruling stems from SAFA’s inclusion of midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was deemed ineligible for the fixture.
The Disciplinary Committee found that SAFA breached article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations.
In addition to the loss of points, SAFA has been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA.
The player at the centre of the controversy, Teboho Mokoena, was issued a formal warning. The decision was communicated to all parties on Monday.
The implications of the ruling are far-reaching for the qualification group, handing Lesotho a vital three points that significantly alters the standings.
SAFA now faces a tight deadline to consider its next steps.
According to FIFA regulations, the association has ten days to request a motivated decision from the Disciplinary Committee.
Crucially, the forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
The administrative error highlights the strict adherence required to FIFA’s eligibility rules in major competitions and will undoubtedly lead to intense scrutiny within the South African football structure. SAFA has yet to release an official statement regarding its intended course of action on the matter.
