World football governing body, FIFA, has opened disciplinary proceedings against South Africa for allegedly fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
According to SABC Sport, FIFA confirmed in a letter dated September 15, 2025, that both the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Mokoena face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations. The matter has been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, with the parties given six days to respond.
Mokoena, 28, had already accumulated two yellow cards in the qualifiers — against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024 — which should have triggered a one-match suspension under FIFA rules. His participation against Lesotho has now put South Africa at risk of sanctions.
If found guilty, Bafana Bafana could forfeit the result, handing Lesotho a 3–0 victory on paper. Additional penalties, including fines or suspensions, could also follow.
South Africa currently top Group C with 17 points. A possible deduction would cut their lead, bringing them level with Benin Republic (14 points) and narrowing the gap with Nigeria to just three points, leaving the group wide open with two matches remaining. Lesotho, meanwhile, would rise to nine points but remain in fifth place.
South Africa still face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October, while Nigeria take on Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic, hoping for slip-ups by the group leaders.
The case mirrors FIFA’s earlier punishment of Equatorial Guinea, who were sanctioned for fielding ineligible striker Emilio Nsue. That decision was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Meanwhile, the development has sparked heated debate in Nigeria. While some fans expressed faint optimism that the Super Eagles’ qualification chances could be revived, many others voiced frustration at the team’s inconsistent performances.
“E be like say hope don dey o,” wrote journalist Charles Anazodo. But others, like Justin Ogbonnah, countered: “Nigeria should allow Benin to go… we can draw five winnable matches and expect miracles to happen?”
Many critics argued that even a FIFA sanction would not solve the Super Eagles’ deeper issues. One user, King of Queens, dismissed the optimism bluntly: “There’s no hope at all even if six points are deducted. Super Chicken will still mess up.”
The mixed reactions highlight both the slim lifeline offered by FIFA’s action and the growing impatience among Nigerians over the team’s faltering World Cup campaign.
