World Cup Qualifying: FIFA Takes Disciplinary Action Against South Africa For Fielding Ineligible Player Days After Punishing Equatorial Guinea
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that barely three days after Equatorial Guinea was punished for fielding ineligible player, Emilio Nsue, the world’s football governing body, FIFA, has officially opened disciplinary actions against South Africa, Bafana Bafana, for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in March”.
OTN News further reports as gathered that this decision which was taken by the official body was revealed in a statement by the South African Outlet, SABC Sport.
According to the the statement, FIFA has leveled charges against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Mokoena.
"In a letter to SAFA dated September 15, 2025 – seen by the public broadcaster, FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.
“The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response.” the statement added.
OTN News recalls that the Bafana Bafana fielded Mokoena despite his ineligibility, as the 28-year-old midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which triggered a “one-match ban.”
It's part of the football norm that which ever player that is given two yellow card, must stay away from the next match.
However, Bafana Bafana goes against this rule by playing his midfielder, Mokoena, who was given two yellow card.
Subsequently, OTN News observes that if the team is found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the result of the match, which would give Lesotho a “3–0 victory on paper.”
Other sanctions which could also be imposed, would be a potential deduction would see South Africa’s lead in Group C reduced, as they would be tied on points with the Benin Republic (14) and have a three-point gap with Nigeria, leaving the race for the automatic ticket open.
Lesotho’s tally would increase from six to nine points, but they would remain in fifth place.
South Africa will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers in October, while Nigeria will play Lesotho (away) and the Benin Republic (home) with the “hope that South Africa slip up in either or both of their fixtures.”
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