FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena after he was fielded in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Lesotho on March 21, 2025, despite being suspended due to accumulating two yellow cards.
The matter has been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which has given SAFA six days to respond. If found guilty, South Africa could forfeit the match, suffering a 3-0 loss on paper and losing three points.
The potential sanction could seriously impact the Group C standings. South Africa currently lead with 16 points; a points deduction would bring them level with Benin on 14, tightening the race for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Other contenders Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho are all watching closely.
SAFA has yet to issue a public statement on the case. Meanwhile, they remain focused on their final two qualifiers in October, insisting their destiny is still in their own hands.
