The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana defeated the Crocodiles 2-0 in the match-day five encounter played on March 21, 2025, in Polokwane. However, controversy has emerged over the inclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was reportedly ineligible to play.
Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers—against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe—automatically triggering a one-match suspension.
According to reports by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), FIFA confirmed that both SAFA and Mokoena face charges for breaching multiple disciplinary regulations. The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the win, with the result overturned in Lesotho’s favour as a 3-0 victory.