FIFA Sanctions South Africa, SAFA Renders Apology

Johannesburg, South Africa – September 30, 2025

In March 2025, South Africa secured a 2–0 victory over Lesotho in a World Cup qualifying match. However, midfielder Teboho Mokoena participated in the game despite being suspended for accumulating two yellow cards in previous matches.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee determined that this breach violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations. Consequently, the match result was overturned, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory, and South Africa was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $12,500 USD).

Mokoena received a formal warning, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) has ten days to appeal the decision.

SAFA has yesterday acknowledged the ruling of FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, and expressed their disappointment with the “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.”

However, they apologized to the country, stating that they remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead.

Group C Standings Post-Sanction

The revised standings in Group C are as follows:

• Benin – 14 points (goal difference ahead of South Africa)

• South Africa – 14 points

• Nigeria – 11 points

• Rwanda – 11 points

• Lesotho – 9 points

• Zimbabwe – 4 points

With only two matches remaining for each team, the competition for the top spot, which guarantees direct qualification for the World Cup, is intensifying. The runner-up may have a chance to advance through the inter-confederation playoffs, depending on the overall standings across all groups.

The upcoming fixtures are crucial for all teams involved:

October 10:

• Benin vs. Rwanda

• Lesotho vs. Nigeria

• South Africa vs. Zimbabwe

October 14:

• South Africa vs. Rwanda

• Benin vs. Nigeria

These matches will determine the final standings and the teams that secure qualification spots. South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, acknowledged the mistake, stating, “We did something we shouldn’t have done. It was an error that could cost us dearly”

South Africa’s penalty has opened the door for Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda to capitalize on the situation and vie for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The remaining matches are set to be decisive, and the outcome will hinge on the performance and results of these teams in the final rounds of qualification.