2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Benin coach Gernot Rohr demands FIFA deducts South Africa points for fielding ineligible player

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has urged FIFA to deduct three points and three goals from South Africa ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The call follows South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho, a match in which they fielded Teboho Mokoena despite the midfielder being ineligible.

Mokoena had received two yellow cards in previous games, a suspension that should have barred him from playing.

FIFA has reportedly communicated the infringement to the South African Football Association, outlining the likely penalty—a three-point and three-goal deduction—though no official decision has yet been announced.

Rohr, who previously faced a similar situation while coaching Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, is now calling for consistent enforcement.

He believes applying the same sanction to South Africa could significantly alter the standings in their qualifying group ahead of September’s fixtures.

“I am calling on FIFA to clarify the points situation in our 2026 World Cup qualifying group,” Rohr told veteran Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana from France.

“South Africa used an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier, which means they must lose three points and three goals to the opponent of the match, Lesotho.

“With the remaining qualifiers set to begin soon, it is imperative, in the interest of fair play, that all teams in our group know where they legitimately stand before we start playing. I am surprised that FIFA is taking so long to resolve what is a very straightforward matter. It should and must be resolved without further delay.”