FIFA has finally launched an investigation into South Africa for fielding Teboho Mokoena in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025, despite the midfielder being due for suspension.
Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers — against Benin (November 2023) and Zimbabwe (June 2024) — which should have triggered a one-match ban under FIFA rules.
After months of pressure and public outcry, SABC Sport confirmed that FIFA has charged both the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Mokoena for breaching disciplinary regulations, including fielding an ineligible player. SAFA and Mokoena have six days to respond before the case goes to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Football analyst Clinton McDubus said the case is “open-and-shut,” predicting that Lesotho will be awarded three points and three goals.
The potential deduction could dramatically reshape Group C, where South Africa (17 points) lead Benin Republic (14 points) and Nigeria (11 points) with two games left. McDubus believes Benin stand to gain the most, as a points adjustment could put them level with South Africa, while Nigeria would still need the Bafana Bafana to lose at least once to stay in contention.
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