FIFA has sanctioned the Bafana Bafana of South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, throwing Group C wide open.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee, in a statement on Monday, confirmed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in the March 21, 2025 clash in Polokwane when he should have been serving a one-match suspension. The committee ruled that South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
As a result, South Africa forfeited the match 3-0 in favour of Lesotho. The ruling strips Bafana Bafana of three points, reducing their tally from 17 to 14, level with the Benin Republic but behind on goal difference.
The reshuffle has boosted Nigeria’s hopes, as the Super Eagles now sit just three points behind South Africa with two matches left to play. Rwanda are also tied with Nigeria on 11 points, while Lesotho climb to nine.
Revised Group C Standings:
- Benin – 14 pts (+4)
- South Africa – 14 pts (+3)
- Nigeria – 11 pts (+2)
- Rwanda – 11 pts (0)
- Lesotho – 9 pts (-3)
- Zimbabwe – 4 pts
The decision is still subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
