By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
The Federation of International Football, FIFA, has officially launched disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, Prompt News reports.
Mokoena was fielded while under suspension during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The incident occurred on 21 March 2025 in Polokwane, when South Africa defeated Lesotho 2–0.
Mokoena, 28, should have served a one-match suspension after collecting two yellow cards earlier in the campaign, first against Benin in November 2023 and later versus Zimbabwe in June 2024.
In a letter dated 15 September 2025, FIFA confirmed that SAFA and the player face charges for breaching disciplinary rules, including using an ineligible player.
The matter has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with both parties given six days to submit their defence.
If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the victory, meaning Lesotho would be awarded a 3–0 win on paper. Additional sanctions, such as fines or suspensions, could also follow.
A forfeit would significantly alter the Group standings. Bafana would drop points, leaving them level with Benin on 14 points after eight games but still top on goal difference (+6 to Benin’s +4).
Lesotho, meanwhile, would climb from six to nine points, though they would remain in fifth place, just two points shy of Nigeria and Rwanda (both on 11 points).
With two crucial qualifiers left in October against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, Bafana will be under immense pressure, especially with Benin and Nigeria still in contention for qualification.
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