The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has handed a major lifeline to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes after sanctioning the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup preliminary qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
According to FIFA, SAFA’s action breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations. Consequently, the match has been forfeited in favour of Lesotho, with a 3-0 scoreline awarded.In addition, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena himself has received an official warning.
The decision was formally communicated to the parties today. Under FIFA rules, they have ten days to request a detailed, motivated decision, which would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The ruling remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Before the sanction, Hugo Broos’ men were sitting comfortably at the top of their World Cup qualification Group C with 17 points from eight games.
Bafana Bafana had a three-point cushion over second-placed Benin, but that advantage has now been wiped out after their 2-0 victory against Lesotho was overturned and recorded as a 0-3 loss due to the administrative blunder.
The development reshuffles Group C and provides renewed hope for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are in pursuit of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Updated Group C Standings (Post Deduction)
Position Team Points Goal Difference
1 Benin 14 0
2 South Africa 14 +8
3 Nigeria 11 +2
4 Rwanda 11 0
5 Lesotho 6 –4
6 Zimbabwe 4 –6
Notes:
South Africa’s 3-point deduction places them level with Benin on 14 points but behind on goal difference (Benin having a better goal difference).
Nigeria remains behind the top two but now within striking distance with 11 points.
Rwanda also sits on 11 points but trails Nigeria on goal difference.
