AFCON 2025
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
The global body confirmed that South Africa must forfeit the match, with a 3-0 victory awarded to Lesotho. In addition, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has received an official warning.
According to FIFA, the ruling follows breaches of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
SAFA and the player have ten days from notification to request a written explanation of the decision. The ruling can also be challenged before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
The decision delivers a significant blow to South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign, with points lost in a group where margins remain tight.
