FIFA Disciplinary Committee Sanctions SAFA Over Ineligible Player
1 min read
By Sedara Philip
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has handed sanctions to the South African Football Association (SAFA) after confirming that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded ineligible during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ preliminary qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
FIFA ruled that South Africa’s action breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations.
As a consequence, the Committee has declared the fixture forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.
In addition to the forfeit, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000 by FIFA. Player Teboho Mokoena has also received an official warning for his involvement in the matter.
Both SAFA and the player have been formally notified of the ruling. Under FIFA regulations, they have 10 days to request a detailed, motivated decision, which, if requested, would later be published on legal.fifa.com.
The forfeiture and fine are still subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee should SAFA choose to challenge the ruling.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
