The South African Football Association (SAFA) has expressed confidence following FIFA’s announcement that it has launched disciplinary proceedings regarding the fielding of suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
FIFA confirmed last week that it would investigate South Africa’s decision to include Mokoena in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho, despite the midfielder having received two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which should have mandated an automatic one-match suspension.
SAFA’s Chief Executive, Lydia Monyepao, addressed reporters, stating: “We’ve received communication from FIFA regarding the investigation into the Lesotho match in which Teboho Mokoena was fielded. We are currently preparing our response for the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, as that is our responsibility as an association.”
According to the FIFA Disciplinary Code, any team that fields an ineligible player, due to suspension or other reasons, automatically forfeits the match, with the default penalty being a 3-0 loss, unless the actual result was less disadvantageous to the offending team.
The Nigerian Football Federation has welcomed FIFA’s decision, which offers the Super Eagles a glimmer of hope for qualification. Currently sitting in third place in Group C with 11 points, Nigeria trails the Bafana Bafana, who lead the group with 17 points.
Monyepao, a former player for South Africa’s women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, asserted that SAFA’s primary focus is on securing maximum points in their upcoming qualifying fixtures to mitigate any potential consequences from the investigation.
“We are not really worried about that. Our focus right now is ensuring that Bafana Bafana secures six points in October. Regardless of any docking of points or other speculation, if we achieve that, nothing else will matter,” she told ESPN.
If sanctions are imposed, it would significantly impact Group C in the African qualifiers. Currently, Bafana Bafana top the group with 17 points, three ahead of Benin and six clear of Nigeria and Rwanda. A deduction of three points and three goals would leave South Africa level with Benin on 14 points, while Benin would move to the top of the group with a superior goal difference.
The prospect of sanctions has lingered over the group for months, with FIFA delaying action, leading to speculation in South Africa about the governing body’s intentions. Bafana coach Hugo Broos previously indicated he felt they might have avoided repercussions. “We did something wrong, but there was no complaint,” Broos remarked before the last round of matches.
Meanwhile, opposition teams have voiced their concerns. Benin coach Gernot Rohr, whose side is competing closely with South Africa for the top spot, expressed frustration at FIFA’s silence. “It is not normal that we do not know the status of the points before our matches,” Rohr stated. “Normally, South Africa should lose three points, which should go to Lesotho. The lack of clarity from FIFA is concerning, and we urge them to reach a decision promptly.”
