The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed sanctions on the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player during a FIFA World Cup 2026™ preliminary competition match against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.

 

The ruling, issued today, found that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to participate in the fixture, constituting a violation of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations.

 

As a result, FIFA has declared the match forfeited by South Africa, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory. In addition, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000 (Swiss Francs), and Mokoena has received an official warning.

 

The decision could have significant implications for South Africa’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the forfeited points potentially impacting the team’s position in the standings.

 

FIFA confirmed that all parties involved were notified of the disciplinary decision today. According to the FDC, SAFA has ten days to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would be published on legal.fifa.com. The ruling is also subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.