The world football governing body, FIFA, has opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena for allegedly fielding the player while under suspension in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Mokoena played in South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho on March 21 in Polokwane, despite reportedly being ineligible after accumulating yellow cards against Benin (November 2023) and Zimbabwe (June 2024).
According to FIFA regulations, that sequence should have triggered a one-match suspension.
In a letter dated September 15, 2025, FIFA notified SAFA that both the 28-year-old midfielder and the association face charges of breaching disciplinary rules related to the use of an ineligible player.
The matter has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to respond.
If found guilty, South Africa risks forfeiting the Lesotho match, which would see Lesotho awarded a 3–0 victory on paper. Additional punishments could include fines or player suspensions.
Such a ruling would significantly alter the Group standings, with Bafana Bafana dropping to 14 points, level with Benin but still top on goal difference (+6 compared to +4).
Lesotho would move up to nine points, two points behind Nigeria and Rwanda, who are tied on 11 points each.
This would leave South Africa needing victories over Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October, while hoping Benin slips against Rwanda and Nigeria, to secure qualification.
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