FIFA PUNISHES SAFA OVER MOKOENA BLUNDER

FIFA WC: Bafana Bafana have been dealt a blow after FIFA handed them a sanction to deduct their points in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The disciplinary action comes after SAFA and Bafana fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena when they played against Lesotho – the player was suspended.

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The football governing body announced on Monday that it will deduct three points from Bafana in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification for fielding suspended Mokoena against Likoena.

The ruling sees Bafana drop into second place in Group C behind Benin but it seems the Nasrec-based football association will contest the decision.

Full statement below:

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) acknowledges a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee which sanctioned the Association for erroneously fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025.

“In terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0. The Association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.

“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments. The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.

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“Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign.

“Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”

By Phumzile Ngcatshe