Rohr Demands Urgent FIFA Action Over South Africa Eligibility Scandal
A storm is brewing in African football as Gernot Rohr, head coach of Benin and former manager of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has issued a scathing call for FIFA to act swiftly in response to South Africa’s alleged use of an ineligible player during their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
In an exclusive chat with journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr did not hold back:
‘I am surprised that FIFA is taking too long to resolve what is a very straightforward matter. It should and must be resolved without further delay. If a team fields an ineligible player, the rules are clear. The match is forfeited and the opponent is awarded three points and three goals.
‘That is what should happen in this case. We are all waiting for FIFA to do the right thing.’
The implications of this alleged infraction are seismic. If FIFA enforces its own rules, South Africa could lose three points and three goals—handed instead to Lesotho—potentially reshaping the entire qualification landscape.
Yet, FIFA’s silence has been deafening.
With the next round of qualifiers fast approaching, the delay in resolving this issue has sparked outrage and confusion across the continent. Coaches and federations are left in limbo, unsure of where they truly stand in the race to qualify for the world’s biggest football tournament.
Rohr’s statement is a direct challenge to FIFA’s credibility and a rallying cry for transparency and fairness. The question now is: will FIFA act before the damage becomes irreversible?
