FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association, SAFA, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21.
Cyber Reporters gathered that Mokoena had reportedly accumulated yellow cards against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024, which should have resulted in a one-match suspension.
In a letter dated September 15, 2025, FIFA notified SAFA of the charges, stressing that both parties have been given six days to respond.
The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and if found guilty, South Africa may face severe consequences, including forfeiting the match against Lesotho, which would result in a 3-0 victory for Lesotho.
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Additional penalties could include fines or player suspensions.
This would significantly impact the Group standings, with South Africa potentially dropping to 14 points, level with Benin but still leading on goal difference.
Lesotho would gain nine points, moving to within two points of Nigeria and Rwanda, who are tied on 11 points each.
If sanctioned, South Africa’s path to qualification would become more challenging.
They would need to secure victories over Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October while relying on Benin to slip up against Rwanda and Nigeria.
The outcome of this case will be crucial in determining South Africa’s fate in the World Cup qualifiers.
