FIFA slaps $12,538 fine on South African FA for fielding unqualified player

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been slapped with a hefty fine by FIFA for fielding an unqualified player, Teboho Mokoena in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho.

Mokoena, who plies his trade for Mamelodi Sundowns 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.

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

Despite the ban, Mokoena went ahead to feature against Lesotho, sparking numerous controversies on the African continent.

With two games to the closure of the qualifiers, the world football governing body has ruled on the matter, declaring South Africa as losers of the match by a score of 3-0 for breaching the rules governing the qualifiers.

Additionally, the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA has also ordered the South African FA to pay a fine of $12,538, while cautioning the player in question, Teboho Mokoena.

Following the ruling, the Bafana Bafana has dropped from the first position to the second spot, threatening their qualification chances.

Benin has now sit top in Group C with 14 points with goal advantage, while South Africa sit second with 14 points.

The final round of the qualifiers has been scheduled for October 2025. However, South Africa will have to secure wins in the remaining games to better their chances of qualifying for the tournament.