FIFA Strips South Africa of Victory Over Ineligible Player, Awards Points to Lesotho

FIFA has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup 2026 qualifier, overturning the result of their March match against Lesotho and awarding the victory to the latter.

In its ruling, FIFA confirmed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should have been suspended after accumulating two yellow cards earlier in the campaign but was nevertheless fielded in South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho.

As a result, the match has been forfeited, and Lesotho has been credited with a 3–0 victory and three points.

Alongside the reversal, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has received a formal warning.

The decision comes after months of uncertainty. The issue was first raised when it was discovered that Mokoena had been cautioned against Benin in November 2023 and again versus Zimbabwe in June 2024, which under FIFA rules should have triggered a one-match suspension.

The sanction is a major blow to South Africa’s campaign in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, where the loss of three points could prove decisive in the race for a place at the 2026 finals.

Lesotho, meanwhile, benefits significantly from the ruling, gaining both points and goal difference.

While SAFA now has the option to request a full written explanation of the ruling and potentially appeal, reports suggest the association has already indicated it will accept the deduction and fine rather than pursue a prolonged dispute with FIFA.

The case has drawn criticism over the delay in FIFA’s disciplinary process, with analysts arguing that months of silence created confusion in the qualifying race.

For South Africa, the setback underlines the importance of administrative discipline in international football, where even clerical oversights can carry high stakes.