Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Hopes Dented by Player Eligibility Scandal
FIFA has deducted three points from South Africa and nullified their World Cup qualifying victory over Lesotho after disciplinary Committee found they fielded an ineligible player on March 21.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in the previous qualifying games (against Benin in November 2023 and against Zimbabwe in June 2024) and, therefore, should have been ineligible for South Africa’s game against Lesotho.
However, instead of serving a one-game suspension, Mamelodi Sundowns star played for 82 minutes in a 2-0 victory at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
In terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0. The Association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 (about R216,515 at time of publication) while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
The decision means Benin have leapfrogged Bafana at the top of Group C on goal difference, with only two matches remaining in the qualification campaign.
Nigeria also lurks near in third place with 11 points, a two-point increase which has brought renewed hope to fans looking for a breakthrough for the Super Eagles in their forthcoming fixtures.
Responding to the sanction, South African Football Association (SAFA) issued an apology to the South Africans for this administrative oversight saying they will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of the qualifying campaign.
“We are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments.”
Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign.
“The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”
FIFA’s decision is subject to an appeal which must be filed within 10 days.
Bafana Bafana will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on October 10, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium three days later. Both matches will kick off at 6pm.