FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena for allegedly breaching regulations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The case relates to South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho on March 21, 2025, in Polokwane, where Mokoena featured despite being suspended.
The 28-year-old had received yellow cards against Benin (November 2023) and Zimbabwe (June 2024), which should have triggered a one-match ban under FIFA rules.
In a letter dated September 15, 2025, and seen by SABC, FIFA confirmed that both the player and SAFA face charges for fielding an ineligible player. The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with both parties given six days to respond.
If found guilty, South Africa risk forfeiting the result, which would award Lesotho a 3–0 win on paper. Additional penalties, including fines or suspensions, may also follow.
Such a decision would see Bafana Bafana remain top of Group C on 14 points, level with Benin but ahead on goal difference (+6 to +4). Lesotho would climb to nine points, two behind Nigeria and Rwanda, who are both on 11.
The development piles pressure on coach Hugo Broos and his team, who must beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October to secure qualification — assuming Benin do not drop points.
SAFA has not yet released an official statement on the matter.
