2026 World Cup: FIFA Docks South Africa 3 Points, Imposes $12,541 Fine

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

In a statement released through FIFA’s media channels on Monday, the committee concluded that SAFA violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations by including an ineligible player.

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As a result, FIFA has declared that South Africa forfeited the match, which ended 3-0 in favour of Lesotho.

SAFA has also been fined CHF 10,000 (approximately $12,541.07), and Teboho Mokoena has received a warning.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision was notified to the parties involved on Monday. According to the relevant provisions of the FDC, they have 10 days to respond.

The forfeiture decision may be appealed to the FIFA Appeal Committee.

Following the deduction of three points from South Africa’s total, Group C of the African World Cup qualifiers has become highly competitive.

South Africa and the Benin Republic currently lead the group with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda are close behind with 11 points apiece.