‘This is crazy, it’s a scandal’: Rohr slams FIFA over South Africa’s ineligible player controversy

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has fiercely criticized FIFA for its inaction over South Africa’s alleged use of an ineligible player during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

Speaking after his side’s emphatic 4-0 win over Lesotho on Tuesday night, Rohr expressed outrage that Bafana Bafana still hold the three points from their March victory, despite what he described as a clear breach of FIFA’s disciplinary code.

In a conversation with Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr didn’t mince words.

‘Bafana still have the three points from the Lesotho game. This is really a scandal and no one is talking about it. It’s unbelievable. It’s crazy,’ Rohr said.

The controversy centers on South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who reportedly received yellow cards in matches against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in November 2024.

Under Article 19 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, a player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension.

Despite the clear guidelines in Article 19, which stipulate that a team fielding an ineligible player may forfeit the match and face a minimum fine of CHF 6,000, FIFA has yet to issue a ruling nearly six months after the incident.

The delay has sparked frustration, especially after FIFA’s recent social media post suggested South Africa would qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they beat Nigeria and Benin failed to win their next match. Many interpreted the post as a quiet dismissal of the protest, although FIFA has not officially confirmed its position.

South Africa currently lead Group C, with Nigeria trailing by six points and Benin three.

If FIFA were to overturn the Lesotho result, South Africa would lose three points and a +3-goal difference, reshaping the group standings and intensifying the battle between South Africa and Benin for the automatic qualification spot.