Good news for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as South Africa’s bid for a return to the FIFA World Cup is facing a major roadblock as FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
The action, confirmed in a letter from FIFA to SAFA, stems from allegations that Mokoena was an ineligible player during South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
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If found guilty, the consequences could be severe, potentially stripping Bafana Bafana of the three points gained from the match and granting a 3-0 technical victory to Lesotho. This penalty would send shockwaves through Group C of the African qualifiers, drastically changing the complexion of the race for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Background on the Allegations
The case centers on Mokoena’s yellow card accumulation in previous qualifiers. According to reports from various news outlets, including SABC and Goal.com, the Mamelodi Sundowns star had received two yellow cards in earlier matches – one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in June 2024.
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Under FIFA rules, a player with two yellow cards is automatically suspended for the next match. Mokoena’s participation against Lesotho, therefore, would constitute a breach of these regulations.
While Lesotho did not file an official complaint immediately after the match, the issue has been a subject of discussion among rival teams in Group C, particularly Nigeria and Benin, who have been vocal about the need for FIFA to act.
FIFA’s formal letter to SAFA, dated September 15, 2025, confirms that the world’s football governing body is now taking the matter seriously. The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, and SAFA and Mokoena have been given a six-day window to submit their response.
A Tense Race to the Finish
As of the latest available standings, South Africa leads Group C with 17 points after eight matches. Benin is in a strong second place with 14 points, while Nigeria and Rwanda are tied for third with 11 points each. The potential point deduction for South Africa would see their total drop to 14, putting them level with Benin.
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This would create an incredibly tight finish to the qualification campaign. South Africa’s goal difference of +8 is currently superior to Benin’s +4, which would keep them at the top of the group on a technicality.
However, with two games remaining for all teams, the pressure is now immense. For Benin, a victory in their remaining matches against Rwanda and Nigeria could be enough to secure their place in the World Cup, a historic achievement for the nation.
For South Africa, the final two matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda are now do-or-die. A loss of points from the Lesotho game would mean they would likely need to win both of their final fixtures and hope Benin drops points. The coming days will be critical for SAFA as they prepare their defense, and the final decision from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will shape the destiny of Group C.
