FIFA will not overturn South Africa’s points deduction – Ex-SAFA boss Raymond Hack

Former South African Football Association (SAFA) chief executive Raymond Hack has cast doubt on South Africa’s chances of overturning FIFA’s sanction in the Teboho Mokoena case.

Bafana Bafana were docked three points after fielding the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, despite his suspension making him ineligible. The ruling has seen Hugo Broos’ side slip to second place in Group C, level on 14 points with leaders Benin but behind on goal difference, with two matches left in the campaign.

SAFA, under president Danny Jordaan, has confirmed it will appeal the decision, insisting the punishment is excessive and requesting FIFA’s written reasoning.

Hack, however, believes the appeal is futile.

“I have never, ever heard of a situation where the appeal board overturned a decision of the Disciplinary Committee in regard to an ineligible player, it was an illegal situation. You cannot benefit. That’s the law in any situation,” Hack told ESPN.

“If you did something wrong, you can’t reap the benefits, it’s as simple as that, otherwise, there’s no equity in sport. [Imagine saying]: ‘I took a drug, but I wasn’t caught. Therefore, it’s ok.’ You cannot do that.

He added that the matter is unlikely to drag on.

“It certainly won’t drag out. It will be quick. Personally, it’s only my opinion, I doubt it will even be heard on the basis of [the FIFA Appeal Committee deciding]: ‘We’re going to overturn it.’ You can’t overturn an illegal situation,” he added.

Hack, who previously served on FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, also defended the governing body’s procedures.

“FIFA are entitled to appoint whoever they want. They have a panel of people who sit on the disciplinary committee. The chairperson is entitled to make a judgement on his own. I’ve done that numerous times while I was on the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and it’s up to them to determine,” he added.

South Africa will conclude their qualifying campaign later this month with fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.