FIFA has stripped South Africa of three points and overturned their 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Lesotho after ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded while ineligible.
In addition to the points deduction, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined CHF 10,000 (about $12,500), while Mokoena himself received a formal warning. The sanction sees Bafana Bafana drop from first to second in their group, level on 14 points with Benin but trailing on goal difference.
Veteran journalist Osasu Obayiuwana has laid the blame at the feet of team manager Vincent Tseka, describing the fiasco as the latest in a string of administrative lapses. Previous blunders have included head coach Hugo Broos working without a permit due to delays in processing, and the squad once arriving for a match without a training ground secured.
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SAFA has acknowledged the ruling and issued an apology to South Africans, expressing dismay at the manner in which the decision was reached. “As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome, noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without allowing the Association to present legal arguments,” the body said in a statement.
Although SAFA intends to lodge a formal appeal, Obayiuwana has argued that the effort may be futile. With two fixtures remaining — against Zimbabwe on October 10 and Rwanda on October 13 — South Africa will likely need emphatic wins to revive their hopes. Only the group winners earn automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
