FIFA President Sends Message to CAF Teams Amid Request to Dock South Africa 3 Points
- FIFA president has a message for CAF teams as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers enter the final phase next month
- Teams from the African continent are urging the world's football governing body to dock South Africa three points
- Bafana Bafana, who lead Group C, fielded an ineligible Teboho Mokoena during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March
While teams await FIFA's decision over South Africa fielding an ineligible player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, president Gianni Infantino has sent a message.
Nigeria and the Benin Republic are calling on the world's football governing body to sanction Bafana Bafana after Teboho Mokoena featured in a 2-0 victory over Lesotho.
The Mamelodi Sundowns striker had received yellow cards before the game in March; however, he was named in the starting line-up against the Crocodiles.
Source: Getty Images
After eight rounds of matches, South Africa top the group with 17 points, three ahead of Benin Republic in second position, while Nigeria are third with 11 points.
While the Super Eagles' chances of qualification hang by a thread, Benin will be level on points should South Africa be sanctioned, per GOAL.
Stakeholders from the continent have criticised both FIFA and CAF for keeping mum over the situation as the qualifiers head into the final phase next month.
While Morocco and Tunisia have confirmed their place in next year's World Cup, Infantino stated that he is looking forward to other teams that will qualify from the continent.
The FIFA boss said on Instagram:
"Thank you to all teams in Africa for participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
"I look forward to seeing you resume your quest to reach 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇲🇽 Mexico and the 🇺🇸 United States next month."
Chelle optimistic of Nigeria's qualification
Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has said his side must win the final two matches and hope other results favour the team.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein, the tactician disclosed that a lot of things can happen in football.
He told SABC:
"We are professionals, so it's still two games and for sure these players want to win these two games, but at this moment is difficult for us because we wanted to win [against Bafana], and I think we did everything [to try and win].
"So in the two last games, a lot of things can happen in one month, and for sure a lot of things about the points, about the team, about everything, so we just need to analyse this game again and after that we'll see in the last two games."
Source: Getty Images
FIFA's rules on fielding ineligible player
Legit.ng earlier reported that with the FIFA World Cup qualifiers reaching the final phase, tension is heightened in the CAF qualification Group C as teams await a decision from the world's football governing body.
FIFA's rules regarding the fielding of ineligible players and the associated sanctions, such as forfeiting matches, have been part of its Disciplinary Code for many years.
Source: Legit.ng
