2026 WCQ: FIFA Docks South Africa 3 Points, Imposes $12,541 Fine

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed sanctions on the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during the match between South Africa and Lesotho on March 21, 2025, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

In a statement released through FIFA’s media channels on Monday, the committee concluded that SAFA had breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations by fielding an ineligible player.

As a result, FIFA has declared that the match in question was forfeited by the South African team, with a final score of 3-0 in favour of Lesotho.

SAFA has also been fined CHF 10,000 (equivalent to $12,541.07), and Teboho Mokoena has received a warning.

The parties involved were informed of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision on Monday. Under the relevant provisions of the FDC, they have 10 days to respond. The forfeiture decision may be subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

With the deduction of three points from South Africa, Group C of the African World Cup qualifiers has now become highly competitive. Both South Africa and the Benin Republic currently top the group with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda are close behind with 11 points apiece.