The South African Football Association, SAFA, has been sanctioned by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Cyber Reporters reports that the match, played on March 21, 2025, was part of the preliminary competition for the 2026 World Cup.
By selecting Mokoena, SAFA breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup 2026 preliminary competition regulations.
As a result of the breach, South Africa will forfeit the fixture with a 3-0 score in favor of Lesotho.
In a statement, it disclosed that the decision is in accordance with FIFA’s rules and regulations.
SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs, approximately £9,000.
In addition to the fine imposed on SAFA, Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
The decision was communicated to the parties involved, and they have ten days to request a motivated decision.
The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
This means that SAFA and other parties involved can still challenge the decision if they feel it is necessary.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched by football fans and stakeholders in the region.
