South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been thrown into doubt after FIFA opened proceedings against the team for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena — www.isagoal.com reports.
Mokoena was banned after accumulating yellow cards against Benin in 2023 and Zimbabwe in 2024, but he still featured in the March 21 clash with Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana went on to win that match 2-0, but FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee is now deciding if the result will stand.
A ruling in Lesotho’s favor could overturn the result to a 3-0 win for them and potentially carry more sanctions for South Africa.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr told YOP L-FRII that the delay in resolving the matter has been frustrating, saying, “This has been dragging on since March. This matter should have been resolved earlier.”
If South Africa are penalized, Benin would leapfrog them on goal difference with 14 points, while Nigeria would also benefit in the standings.
Rohr admitted the advantage could be crucial, noting, “If the rules are strictly applied, with the goal average rule, we would be top of the group, level on points with South Africa but with one more goal.”
Despite that possible boost, Rohr warned qualification is still tough, pointing to difficult away games against Nigeria and Rwanda.
South Africa, meanwhile, will play their last two fixtures at home, backed by local fans and avoiding long travels.
Although Lesotho missed the chance to appeal on time, FIFA retains the authority to enforce sanctions on its own.