South Africa Boasts of Winning World Cup Ticket Ahead of Nigeria Despite 3 Points Sanction From FIFA
- South Africa are not bothered about the incoming sanctions by the world football governing body
- The Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho in 2024
- FIFA's disciplinary committee has launched an investigation, and they risk the forfeiture of three points, three goals
FIFA have opened an investigation against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena played against the Crocodile of Lesotho, playing for 82 minutes before he was substituted in the encounter.
The 28-year-old received his first yellow card against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Matchday 1 and his second against the Warriors of Zimbabwe on Matchday 4.
Source: Getty Images
The South African Football Association were charged with breaching several disciplinary regulations.
Mamelodi Sundowns player and Bafana Bafana have six days to submit their written response, and the case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for full-scale investigation.
Punishment for breaching the rules is a three-point deduction and a minimum fine of $7,500.
Nigeria and Benin Republic have been at the forefront of FIFApunishing Group C leaders.
South Africa have 17 points and will be on the same points as Benin Republic, 14 points if the rule is followed.
South Africa still sure of qualifying - Monyepao
The Chief Executive of South Africa Football Association (SAFA) Lydia Monyepao said the country can still qualify despite threats of points deduction.
According to OwnGoal, the former Bayana Bayana player explained that the men's football team have shifted focus to their remaining two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. She said:
"We (South Africa) are not really worried about that (point deduction). The focus of the SAFA is to ensure that Bafana Bafana gets maximum points, come October. Because whatever happens, be it removal of points or whatever, if we get six points come October, nothing else will matter.”
Source: Getty Images
SAFA CEO confirms FIFA investigation
Lydia Monyepao confirmed the receipt of FIFA's letter concerning the fielding of an ineligible player. She said in a viral video:
“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded.
“We received it (September 17), so we are preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, because that's what is ultimately required from us as an association.”
According to ESPN, Cape Verde faced a similar setback in the 2014 playoffs when they were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player against Tunisia.
They ultimately forfeited their spot to the North Africans despite securing a shocking win on the pitch.
Rohr reacts to FIFA disciplinary proceedings against South Africa
Legit.ng earlier reported that the head coach of the Benin national football team, Gernot Rohr, has disclosed that his side would go top of the CAF qualification group C of the World Cup qualifiers should FIFA sanction South Africa.
He, however, admitted that it remains a herculean task for the Cheetahs to pick the automatic ticket from the group, as they have two big matches left.
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Source: Legit.ng
