2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Benin coach Rohr slams FIFA over delay in South Africa points deduction

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has hit out at FIFA for taking too long to rule on the eligibility controversy involving South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

FIFA this week docked Bafana Bafana three points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after they fielded Mokoena in their 2-1 win over Lesotho in March 2025, despite the Mamelodi Sundowns star being suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

The incident sparked strong protests from group rivals Nigeria, Lesotho, and Benin, who all demanded sanctions against South Africa. But Rohr believes the governing body’s ruling has come far too late.

“The decision of FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa is logical, but it came very late — six months after the match,” Rohr told Brila FM.

“Now we have two very difficult away games, in Rwanda and against Nigeria in Uyo.”

The German tactician also suggested that Bafana may benefit from the schedule in the closing stages of the qualifiers.

“South Africa will play their last two matches at home, which means they will have had seven home games out of ten, since both Lesotho and Zimbabwe host their matches in South Africa,” he noted.

“But we will stay humble and fight to qualify,” he added.

With two matches remaining, Benin and South Africa are level on 14 points in Group E, though Rohr’s side lead on goal difference.