FIFA has formally launched disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, following Mokoena’s participation in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier while serving a suspension.
The incident occurred on 21 March 2025 in Polokwane, where South Africa emerged victorious with a 2–0 win over Lesotho.
Mokoena, 28, was required to serve a one-match suspension, having received two yellow cards earlier in the campaign, first against Benin in November 2023 and subsequently against Zimbabwe in June 2024.
FIFA has confirmed, in a letter dated 15 September 2025, that SAFA and the player face charges for violating disciplinary rules, including the use of 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 may be forced to forfeit the victory, resulting in Lesotho being awarded a 3–0 win on paper.
Additional sanctions, such as fines or suspensions, could also be imposed.
A forfeit would significantly alter the Group standings, causing Bafana to drop points and 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.
Lesotho, meanwhile, would rise from six to nine points, but they would still occupy fifth place, trailing Nigeria and Rwanda, who both have 11 points, by just two points.
Bafana will be under considerable pressure with two vital qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October, especially as Benin and Nigeria remain in contention for qualification.
