2026 WCQ: FIFA Opens Disciplinary Case Against South Africa Over Mokoena’s Ineligibility
1 min read
By Sportsgister
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has launched disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) after it was discovered that an ineligible player was fielded during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
The incident occurred on 21 March 2025, when Bafana Bafana defeated the Crocodiles of Lesotho 2-0 in Polokwane. However, FIFA has now confirmed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should not have been eligible to play in the fixture.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star had already picked up two yellow cards earlier in the qualification campaign—against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe—which automatically triggered a one-match suspension. Despite this, Mokoena was included in the matchday squad and played, leading to questions over SAFA’s compliance with FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.
According to SABC, FIFA has charged both SAFA and Mokoena with breaching multiple provisions of its disciplinary code. The case has now been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine possible sanctions.
Potential consequences could include forfeiture of the result, fines, or even additional sanctions depending on the committee’s ruling.
This development casts a shadow over South Africa’s qualification campaign, with their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup potentially impacted by the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
