FIFA has handed a major blow to South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, docking Bafana Bafana three points over the ineligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches, was fielded against Lesotho in violation of FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
The governing body confirmed the sanction on Monday, ruling the match result void in favor of Lesotho.
In addition to the points deduction, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined CHF 10,000 (≈ $10,800 USD). Mokoena himself received a formal warning over the breach.
The punishment is a setback for Hugo Broos’ side, who had started their qualification campaign brightly but must now regroup with reduced points on the log.
