South Africa FA ‘deeply disappointed’ over ‘unprecedented’ FIFA decision to dock Bafana points

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has expressed deep disappointment after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee handed down a ruling that has shaken Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

The decision, described by SAFA as unprecedented, penalizes the team for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.

According to FIFA, the match has been forfeited by South Africa with a 3-0 scoreline awarded to Lesotho. Alongside the points deduction, SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena himself has been issued with a warning.

In an official statement, SAFA voiced its frustration: “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 penalty comes at a critical stage in qualifying, with Bafana needing results to stay competitive in Group C. Their immediate test will be against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October, before hosting Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium four days later.