South African FA Breaks Silence Over FIFA’s Probe Into Teboho Mokoena’s Case
- The South African Football Association has reacted to Teboho Mokoena's ineligibility in the World Cup Qualifier tie against Lesotho
- FIFA officially opened an investigation into the case months after it happened during the March international break
- Bafana Bafana are very likely to lose three points, which would reshape Group C heading into the final two matches
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that it has received official communication from FIFA over the Teboho Mokoena case.
The world football governing body took its time to initiate proceedings against SAFA six months after the divisive game against Lesotho in March.
Source: Getty Images
SABC Sport reported that the association received the letter from FIFA on September 15, which sparked reactions from Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
The West African countries have been pushing for FIFA to act on the case, as South Africa’s point deduction could benefit their 2026 FIFA World Cup bid.
The deduction will put the Benin Republic level on point with Bafana Bafana on 14, while the Super Eagles will be within touching distance with 11 points.
SAFA CEO confirms FIFA investigation
According to Briefly Sports, SAFA, through its Chief Executive Officer, Lydia Monyepao, has confirmed the receipt of the letter, which the association has six days to respond to.
“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded,” she said in a video circulated on X by Soccer Beat ZA.
“We received it yesterday, so we are preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, because that's what is ultimately required from us as an association.”
There are concerns from Mzansi that the possible three-point deduction could derail their 2026 FIFA World Cup bid, but Monyepao allayed their fears.
“We are not really worried about that [points deduction], I think our focus right now is to ensure that Bafana Bafana gets maximum points come October,” she added.
“Whatever happens, whether there is deduction of points or whatever you're saying out there, if we get six points come October, nothing else is gonna matter, it's all about Bafana Bafana getting to USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.”
According to iDiski Times, FIFA has acted introspectively, having set a precedent with sanctions in the past against countries that have defaulted on the rule.
Nigeria, which has been pushing for RSA's points deduction, was sanctioned in 2018 for fielding Shehu Abdullahi against Algeria despite being suspended.
Source: Getty Images
Equatorial Guinea was docked six points recently for double violation of the rule after fielding Emilio Nsue, before his nationality switch was approved.
The AFCON 2023 Golden Boot winner has been playing for the National Thunder since 2013, but FIFA approved his switch from Spain in March 2025, invalidating his previous matches.
The FIFA rule that indicted South Africa
Legit.ng analysed the FIFA rule indicting South Africa after the world football governing body launched an investigation into Teboho Mokoena's case.
Bafana Bafana appeared to have gotten away with the technical error after protests came late, but the FIFA Disciplinary Committee acted ex officio.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
