FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South Africa and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena over player eligibility in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The case stems from South Africa’s 2–0 victory against Lesotho on March 21 in Polokwane, where Mokoena was fielded despite being suspended.
The 28-year-old midfielder had picked up two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers – against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024 – which, under FIFA regulations, should have triggered a one-match ban.
In a letter dated September 15, 2025, and seen by SABC Sport, FIFA confirmed that both SAFA and Mokoena are charged with breaching disciplinary regulations relating to the fielding of an ineligible player.
The matter has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to respond.
If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the result, handing Lesotho a 3–0 win on paper.
Additional sanctions, including fines or suspensions, may also follow.
Such a ruling would leave Bafana Bafana level on points with Benin (14) after eight matches, though still top of Group C on goal difference (+6 compared to Benin’s +4).
Lesotho would move up to nine points but remain in fifth place, two behind Nigeria and Rwanda, who both sit on 11.
Coach Hugo Broos’ side would then face a decisive final push in October, needing victories over Zimbabwe and Rwanda to secure qualification, while relying on Benin potentially dropping points against The Wasps and the Super Eagles.
The eventuality of South Africa being docked points will boost the chances of Super Eagles making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As of Thursday, SAFA has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
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