The South African Football Association (SAFA) remains optimistic following FIFA’s announcement that disciplinary measures have been initiated concerning the participation of suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the March FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Last week, FIFA confirmed it would probe South Africa’s choice to field Mokoena during their 2-0 win over Lesotho, despite the player having accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which should have triggered an automatic one–match ban.
SAFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Lydia Monyepao, spoke to the media, saying, “We have been officially notified by FIFA about the ongoing investigation into the match against Lesotho where Teboho Mokoena played. We are in the process of compiling our formal response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, as is required of us.”
Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, any team that fields a player who is ineligible due to suspension or other reasons faces an automatic forfeiture of the match, typically resulting in a 3-0 loss unless the original scoreline was less detrimental to the offending side.
The Nigerian Football Federation has welcomed FIFA’s investigation, seeing it as a potential opportunity for the Super Eagles to improve their chances of qualification. Nigeria currently holds third place in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa, who lead the group with 17 points.
Monyepao, who previously represented South Africa’s women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, emphasized that SAFA’s main priority is to secure maximum points in their upcoming qualifiers to offset any possible penalties from the inquiry.
“Our main concern is not the investigation itself but ensuring that Bafana Bafana earns six points in the October fixtures. Regardless of any point deductions or speculation, if we achieve that, the rest becomes irrelevant,” she told ESPN.
Should FIFA impose sanctions, it would dramatically alter the standings in Group C. Currently, South Africa leads with 17 points, three ahead of Benin and six clear of Nigeria and Rwanda. A three-point deduction and a 3-0 forfeit would see South Africa drop to 14 points, tying with Benin, who would then top the group due to a better goal difference.
The uncertainty surrounding potential sanctions has cast a shadow over the group for several months, with FIFA’s delayed response fueling speculation within South Africa about the governing body’s intentions. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos previously suggested they might escape punishment, stating, “We made an error, but no formal complaint was lodged.”
Meanwhile, rival teams have voiced their dissatisfaction. Benin’s coach, Gernot Rohr, whose team is closely contesting the top spot with South Africa, criticized FIFA’s lack of transparency. “It’s unusual that we don’t know the status of the points before our matches. South Africa should lose three points, which should be awarded to Lesotho. FIFA’s silence is troubling, and we urge them to make a decision swiftly,” Rohr remarked.
