South African Football Association faces severe FIFA sanctions after fielding an ineligible player, resulting in a match forfeit and heavy fines

South African Football Association has faced severe FIFA sanctions after fielding an ineligible player in a crucial World Cup qualifier match.

Also read: Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro fuels young minds with million-naira debate on AI’s future

The decision, handed down by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, highlights a significant breach of competition rules and carries serious consequences for the South African team.

The player in question, Teboho Mokoena, was declared ineligible for the South Africa vs Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition.

As a result, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho.

In addition to the match forfeiture, the South African Football Association has been fined CHF 10,000, a clear demonstration of FIFA’s firm stance on maintaining fair play and adherence to regulations.

The player, Mokoena, received a formal warning for his involvement.

This ruling delivers a powerful message across the football world: compliance with eligibility rules is non-negotiable.

For South African football, the sanction is a setback that will likely affect their campaign and reputation in upcoming competitions.

FIFA’s decisive action underlines the importance of transparency and accountability in international football governance.