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FIFA person taken a immense determination regarding complaints received astir South Africa fielding an ineligible subordinate successful the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is facing disciplinary enactment aft the FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed it has opened proceedings regarding the fielding of Teboho Mokoena successful their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana defeated the Crocodiles 2-0 connected 21 March 2025 successful Polokwane, but contention erupted soon aft the lucifer erstwhile it was revealed that Mokoena, a Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, should person been suspended. He had collected two yellowish cards successful earlier Group C fixtures against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe, which automatically triggered a one-match ban.
Despite this, South Africa fielded him, prompting Lesotho and respective different nations to record ceremonial complaints with FIFA.
Disciplinary Proceedings
According to SABC Sport, FIFA has present charged some SAFA and Mokoena with breaching aggregate disciplinary regulations. The lawsuit has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which has fixed SAFA six days to supply an authoritative explanation.
Potential Consequences
If recovered guilty, South Africa could look important sanctions, including:
- Forfeiture of the result against Lesotho, with the result changed to a 3-0 triumph for Lesotho – wide considered the astir apt ruling, fixed FIFA’s precedents.
- Deduction of points successful the Group C standings.
- Financial penalties oregon further disciplinary measures against some SAFA and the player.
A ruling is expected erstwhile SAFA submits its response. If the effect is overturned, it could person large implications for the Group C qualification contention heading into the last rounds.
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