World football governing body, FIFA, has opened a disciplinary case against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena over player eligibility concerns.
Mokoena, who was suspended during a World Cup qualifier on March 21, 2025, due to two earlier yellow cards in the campaign, featured in South Africa’s 2–0 win against Lesotho. The violation has now been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with both SAFA and Mokoena given six days to respond.
If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the victory, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 win. Such a ruling would reshape Group standings, leaving Bafana Bafana tied with Benin on 14 points but still ahead on goal difference. Lesotho would climb to fifth place with nine points.
The development comes at a critical stage, with South Africa set to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October. With Benin and Nigeria also in contention, the disciplinary case adds pressure to Bafana Bafana’s qualification campaign.
