FIFA dock South Africa 3 points for fielding ineligible player, throw Group C wide open
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary match against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
The decision follows violations of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the Preliminary Competition Regulations.
As a result, FIFA has declared the match forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory. In addition to the points deduction, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has received an official warning.
The ruling has dramatically reshaped the dynamics of Group C, throwing the qualification race wide open. With South Africa losing three crucial points, the group now sees four teams, South Africa, Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda, all with a realistic chance of securing a spot in the next round.
All parties were notified of the decision today. Under FIFA regulations, SAFA and Mokoena have ten days to request a motivated decision, which, if submitted, will be published on legal.fifa.com.
The forfeiture remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
