FIFA has officially initiated disciplinary proceedings against South Africa’s national football team after fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025. The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Mokoena himself now face charges under FIFA’s regulations, which could result in severe sanctions, including a possible points deduction for Bafana Bafana.
The case centers on Mokoena, who had accrued two yellow cards earlier in the qualifying rounds, one against Benin and the other against Zimbabwe. As per FIFA’s disciplinary guidelines, a player who receives two yellow cards in qualifying matches is automatically banned for one match. Despite this, Mokoena featured in South Africa’s March 2025 match against Lesotho, potentially breaching the rules.
In a letter dated September 15, 2025, FIFA confirmed that both Mokoena and the South African football governing body are under investigation. The matter has been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, with a six-day deadline for both SAFA and Mokoena to submit their response.
If found guilty, South Africa could face severe consequences. One possible outcome is the forfeiture of the match, which would grant Lesotho a 3–0 victory. In addition, other punitive actions like fines or player suspensions could be imposed.
South Africa currently leads Group C with 17 points, but a potential points deduction could narrow the gap between them and Benin Republic, who are currently in second place with 14 points. Such a deduction would also shrink South Africa’s lead over Nigeria, creating a more competitive race for the automatic World Cup qualifying spot. If this scenario unfolds, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the remaining qualifying matches.
Lesotho, who currently sit in fifth place with 6 points, would see their tally increase to 9 points. However, despite the additional points, Lesotho would remain in fifth place, still trailing third-placed Nigeria and fourth-placed Rwanda.
South Africa’s final qualifying fixtures include matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, both scheduled for October. Nigeria, for their part, will face Lesotho away and Benin Republic, hoping for a slip-up from South Africa to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
This case is not the first of its kind, as FIFA has recently imposed similar sanctions on Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
While the investigation continues, Nigerian football fans remain divided on the potential impact of the case. Some fans are cautiously optimistic, hoping that a points deduction could aid Nigeria’s chances of qualifying. Charles Anazodo remarked, “It seems like hope is on the horizon. FIFA has sent a letter to South Africa, asking them to explain why they shouldn’t be penalised.”
However, other fans are more skeptical. Justin Ogbonnah expressed doubt, saying, “Nigeria should let Benin go, because we don’t deserve it. We can draw five winnable matches and expect miracles?”
There is also a growing sense of frustration among Nigerian fans, who believe that even a favorable ruling from FIFA will not solve deeper issues within the national team. As Isah Abdulmumeem put it, “It’s beyond mathematics. I’m out of hope, and all the NFF board members should resign.”
