FIFA officially open disciplinary proceedings against South Africa over Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility

South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament is under threat, as FIFA officially opens disciplinary proceedings over the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament is under threat, as FIFA officially opens disciplinary proceedings over the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

The midfielder featured for the Bafana Bafana against Lesotho despite being suspended for the clash, with South Africa securing a 2-0 win over their opponent on 21 March in Polokwane.

Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, and was due to serve a one match ban. The midfielder received his first caution against Benin in November 2024 before his second booking against Zimbabwe back in June 2024.

Despite the ban, Mokoena, who plies his trade for Mamelodi Sundowns went ahead to feature against Lesotho, sparking numerous controversies on the African continent.

However, the world football governing body has taken the matter up by opening disciplinary proceedings against South Africa, months after the incident.

South Africa and Mokoena now face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations for fielding an unqualified player.

The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response.

The Bafana Bafana now faces a possible points deduction, posing serious threat in their qualification chances. If found guilty, Bafana could be forced to forfeit the result of the match, which would hand Lesotho a 3–0 victory on paper, while other sanctions such as fines or suspensions could also be imposed.

South Africa currently sit top of Group C with 17 points after eight matches. However, a potential points deduction will see them drop in points (14), level with Benin.

But the Bafana Bafana remain top with a superior goal difference of 6, giving them the edge to qualify should they grind results in their final games against Benin and Zimbabwe in October.