The governing body of world football, FIFA, seems to have changed its previous position and has now launched an investigation into South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee had recently affirmed that South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, would not incur any penalties regarding the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena. He was reported to have been suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards prior to their qualifying match against Lesotho in March.
Nevertheless, as reported by SABC, FIFA has now indicated that both the player and the association are facing charges for violating several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.
Mokoena, who is a player for the South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, was included in the Bafana Bafana lineup while under suspension during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho’s Crocodiles on March 21, 2025. Hugo Broos’ team secured victory in the matchday five encounter, which took place in Polokwane City.
Mokoena had previously received two yellow cards in matches against the Squirrels of Benin Republic and the Warriors of Zimbabwe, which, according to FIFA regulations, led to a one-match suspension.
The matter has been forwarded to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, granting the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Mokoena a period of six days to provide their responses.
At present, South Africa is at the top of Group C in the African World Cup Qualifiers, accumulating 17 points from eight matches, which places them three points ahead of Benin Republic, who holds second place with 14 points, while Nigeria occupies the third position with 11 points. There are only two matches left in the qualifying competition.
A conviction could lead to a 3-0 forfeiture, a deduction of three points, and possible fines—consequences that would greatly impact the standings of the group.
