SAD Day In South Africa as FIFA Removes Three Points From Bafana Bafana

Tension and distress have risen among football fans across South Africa following a significant decision made by the sport’s governing body regarding their hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has faced criticism for neglecting complaints after South Africa fielded an ineligible player during World Cup qualifiers. Click link to continue reading.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for its violation, specifically for playing Teboho Mokoena in a match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ preliminary competition.

This breach violates Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Preliminary Competition Regulations.

As a result, FIFA has declared that South Africa forfeits the match, with a final score of 3-0 in favor of Lesotho. Additionally, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, and Teboho Mokoena has received a warning.
All parties involved have been informed of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision.

According to the relevant provisions of the Disciplinary Code, they have ten days to request a motivated decision. If such a request is made, the decision will be published on legal.fifa.com. The forfeiture decision is also subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.