FIFA has punished the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
The game, played on March 21, 2025, has now been awarded to Lesotho with a 3-0 scoreline. FIFA also fined SAFA 10,000 Swiss francs (£9,000), while Mokoena received an official warning.
According to FIFA, South Africa’s decision to use Mokoena broke Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup 2026 qualifying rules.
The world football body confirmed on Monday that the ruling has been communicated to all parties. SAFA has ten days to request a detailed explanation of the decision and may still appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee.
