Africa-Press – Uganda. International football federation, Fifa, has sanctioned South Africa, docking the national team three points in the World Cup 2026 qualifying for fielding an ineligible player in the March 21 match against Lesotho.
The Fifa Disciplinary Committee ruled that South Africa breached Article 19 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the Fifa World Cup 2026TM Preliminary Competition Regulations in fielding , Teboho Mokoena.
Consequently, the match has been forfeited in favour of Lesotho, with a 3-0 scoreline officially recorded.
The South African Football Association has also been fined CHF 10,000 ($12,500; Shs43 million), while Mamelodi Soundowns midfielder Mokoena received a formal warning.
Both parties have ten days to request a motivated decision, which could subsequently be appealed before the Fifa Appeal Committee.
South Africa maintain top spot in Group C but now only on goal difference to Benin on 14 points with the Bafana Bafana now having their destiny in their own hands with two games to play.
The decision opens a window for Nigeria, whose slim hope of qualifying comes back alive as the Super Eagles sit third in the group standings with 11 points.
Coach Hugo Broos’ side will be away to regional rivals Zimbabwe on October 10 before completing their campaign at home to Rwanda four days later.
Lesotho remain fifth with eight points.
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