NB247
Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup got a boost after South Africa got full sanctions for fielding an ineligible player during one of their qualifying matches.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding Teboho Mokoena, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ preliminary match against Lesotho played on 21 March 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, FIFA confirmed that South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations by featuring the player, who was not eligible for selection.
As a result, FIFA has awarded the match to Lesotho with a 3–0 scoreline, overturning the original result.
SAFA has therefore been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Teboho Mokoena received an official warning from the world football governing body.
According to FIFA, the parties involved have been notified of the decision and have ten days to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, will be published on legal.
The ruling, however, remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee, in line with the relevant provisions of the Disciplinary Code.
If the Appeals Committee affirms the sanction, it would mean that Benin Republic will displace South Africa on top of Group C: on goals difference.
South Africa face Zimbabwe and Rwanda; while Benin play Rwanda and Nigeria to determine who tops the group at of the end of the series.