2026 FIFA World Cup: SAFA queries FIFA decision, reaffirms commitment to World Cup qualification campaign
The South African Football Association (SAFA) acknowledges the recent ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho, played on 21 March 2025.
The committee found that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to participate in the match, resulting in a forfeiture by Bafana Bafana and a 3-0 victory awarded to Lesotho.
In addition to the match forfeiture, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, and Mokoena has received an official warning.
SAFA expresses deep disappointment with the decision, particularly as it was issued by a single-member panel without explanation and without the opportunity for the Association to present its legal arguments.
‘We have formally requested the written reasons for the judgment and intend to file an appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the stipulated 10-day window, in accordance with FIFA’s disciplinary procedures.’
Despite this setback, SAFA says it remains fully committed to supporting Bafana Bafana in their pursuit of World Cup qualification. The players and technical team have shown tremendous dedication throughout the campaign, and our focus now is on securing maximum points in the remaining fixtures.
‘We sincerely apologise to the nation for this administrative error and will conduct a thorough review at the end of the qualification process. In the meantime, we urge all South Africans to stand united behind the team as they enter this decisive phase of the qualifiers.’
Bafana Bafana will host Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2025, followed by a crucial encounter against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on 14 October 2025.
