SAFA have released a statement on FIFA’s ruling to deduct points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.
Earlier on Monday, FIFA had confirmed that they will deduct three points from Bafana in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification for fielding suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
The ruling sees Bafana drop into second place in Group C behind Benin.
Bafana now confirmed they will appeal the “unprecedented ruling.
Full statement below:
The South African Football Association (SAFA) acknowledges a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee which sanctioned the Association for erroneously fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025.
In terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0. The Association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
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 Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign.
Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.
