2026 World Cup Qualifiers: SAFA confirms FIFA contact over Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility blunder

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed it has received formal communication from FIFA regarding the ongoing investigation into the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena during a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

Mokoena featured in Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 victory in Polokwane despite having accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches — a violation that should have triggered a one-match suspension.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee is now reviewing the case, with South Africa facing the possibility of being docked three points and seeing the result overturned to a 3–0 defeat.

Speaking at the launch of a Shield and Vaseline sponsorship event on Thursday, SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao confirmed the development.

“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match which Teboho Mokoena was fielded. We received it yesterday,” Monyepao said at the launch of the Shield, Vaseline sponsorship event on Thursday.

“So we’re preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which is ultimately required of us as an association…”

Initially, South Africa appeared to have escaped punishment after Lesotho failed to lodge a protest within FIFA’s 48-hour deadline. However, world football’s governing body has the power to intervene directly, as it has done in similar cases in the past.

Despite the potential setback, Monyepao insisted SAFA remains confident qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains in their hands.

“Look we’re not really worried about that. I think our focus right now is to ensure Bafana Bafana gets maximum points, come October, because whatever happens, whether there is docking of points or whatever, if we get six points come October, nothing else matters.

“It’s all about Bafana Bafana getting to the USA, Mexico and Canada [in the FIFA World Cup] in 2026.”

Bafana Bafana currently sit top of Group C with 17 points after eight matches. A possible deduction would leave them level on 14 points with Benin, but still ahead on goal difference (+6). South Africa face decisive fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in October, where victories would secure their ticket to the World Cup regardless of FIFA’s ruling.