SAFA exposes supposed flaws in FIFA decision to declare Bafana losers of World Cup qualifier over ineligible player

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has voiced its dissatisfaction with FIFA’s ruling that declared Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho forfeited due to the ineligible participation of midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has announced that South Africa had breached competition regulations by fielding Mokoena in the March 21 clash, which has now officially been awarded 3-0 in favour of Lesotho.

In addition to the forfeit, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena himself received a formal warning.

In response, SAFA strongly criticised the process behind the ruling, raising concerns about a lack of fairness and transparency.

“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 said in a statement.

The governing body has since requested written reasons for the decision and confirmed plans to lodge a formal appeal with FIFA’s Appeals Committee within the 10-day window provided under disciplinary rules.

Despite the setback, SAFA stressed that its focus remains firmly on supporting Bafana Bafana in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.

In its statement, the Association acknowledged the administrative error, extended an apology to the nation, and urged South Africans to stand behind the team during the crucial final stages of the qualifiers.

“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 final and crucial stage of the qualifiers,” SAFA said.

Up next for the Bafana Bafana, the team will play Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on October 10 before taking on Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on October 14.

The two key fixtures in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will determine whether South Africa can top the group to secure automatic qualification to the tournament or not.

Although South Africa is now second in the group standings, SAFA remains confident that the Bafana Bafana, led by Hugo Broos, has what it takes to secure the needed results next month to book a place at next year’s World Cup.