List of Sanctions FIFA Could Impose on South Africa After Case for Ineligible Player Is Opened
- FIFA has opened disciplinary case against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers
- Possible sanctions FIFA could impose on Bafana Bafana include a three-point deduction, a 3-0 forfeit loss, and fines
- Nigeria’s qualification hopes could be revived if the sanctions are enforced by FIFA
South Africa’s qualification hopes have taken a dramatic turn as FIFA reportedly opened a disciplinary case against the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena should have missed the clash against Lesotho in March after picking up two yellow cards in previous matches. But he played the full match, a move that may cost Bafana Bafana dearly.
Source: Getty Images
According to Daily News, South Africa’s team manager, Vincent Tseka, admitted to missing the suspension notice, while coach Hugo Broos quickly left Mokoena out of the next fixture against Benin.
Despite that attempt to correct the error, FIFA’s disciplinary rules are clear; fielding an ineligible player typically triggers an automatic sanction.
Possible sanctions South Africa could face
FIFA’s disciplinary code is straightforward about the consequences of fielding an ineligible player in a competitive game.
According to Business Post, if found guilty, South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho will likely be overturned and recorded as a 3-0 loss. This will result in:
1. Deduction of three points:
A direct hit to Bafana’s standing in the group, which could drastically change the qualification picture.
2. 3-0 forfeit awarded to Lesotho:
Lesotho would receive a boost to nine points, though they would remain fifth in the table.
3. Financial penalty:
SAFA could face a heavy fine for breaching FIFA regulations, adding financial strain to their qualification woes.
4. Suspensions or further sanctions:
While rare, FIFA may also consider suspensions for officials responsible for the oversight, including team management staff.
Source: Getty Images
If these sanctions are applied by FIFA, Bafana Bafana would find themselves level on 14 points with Benin, but would remain ahead only on goal difference.
Nigeria, currently on 11 points, would regain faint hope of qualifying for the World Cup if the Super Eagles win their remaining two games and other results go their way.
What this means for Nigeria and Group C
Nigeria’s World Cup campaign has been hanging by a thread after multiple draws left the three-time African champions in third place.
The potential sanctions on South Africa could shift the group standings enough to give the Super Eagles a fresh shot at qualification.
With Lesotho awarded a forfeit victory, Nigeria would still need to win their final two matches, but the gap to South Africa would narrow, bringing the group back into contention.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and fans are watching closely as FIFA’s ruling could decide whether the Super Eagles have a lifeline or are consigned to missing back-to-back World Cups.
FIFA officially opens case against South Africa
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that FIFA have officially opened an investigation against South Africa for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Mokoena, who was supposed to be suspended for the matchday five match against Lesotho after receiving a yellow card on matchday one and four, played 82 minutes before he was substituted.
Source: Legit.ng
