FIFA Sanctions SAFA for Fielding Ineligible Player

The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena while suspended during the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.

In its ruling, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee awarded the match to Lesotho with a 3–0 scoreline, fined SAFA 10,000 Swiss Francs, and issued a formal warning to Mokoena.

The sanction has reshaped the Group C standings, with South Africa losing valuable points and Benin moving to the top of the table on goal difference.

Remaining Fixtures in Group C

South Africa vs Zimbabwe, Rwanda

Benin vs Rwanda, Nigeria

The group remains wide open, with the final matchday set to determine which team secures top spot and advances in the qualifiers.