BAFANA LOSE WC QUALIFYING POINTS

BAFANA Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup have taken a groot hit after Fifa sanctioned Safa for fielding an ineligible player.

The Fifa Disciplinary Committee ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should not have featured in South Africa’s qualifier against Lesotho in March. 

The decision found Safa in breach of article 19 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code and article 14 of the competition’s regulations. As a consequence, the match has been forfeited by SA, with Fifa awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory. 

The ruling significantly damages Bafana’s qualifying campaign, reducing their points tally and boosting their neighbours in Group C on the World Cup qualifying standings. 

In addition, Safa have been ordered to pay a fine of around R200 000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.

Fifa wysed in a statement: “The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Safa for having fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the Fifa World Cup 2026 preliminary competition.”

The disciplinary body confirmed that Safa and the parties involved have 10 days to request a motivated decision, which would later be published on Fifa’s legal website. 

The ruling remains subject to appeal before the Fifa Appeal Committee. The punishment has also shifted the balance in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers. 

Originally top with 17 points, SA now drop to second place, behind Benin on goal difference, with 14 points. Nigeria sit close behind on 11 points after eight matches. 

With only the group winners guaranteed a place in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the setback could prove decisive in Bafana’s upcoming qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.