6 Critical Points From FIFA’s Sanction Letter As South Africa Lose 3 Points in World Cup Qualifiers

• The South African Football Association has been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in the World Cup qualifiers
• In a FIFA statement on Monday, September 29, the world's football governing body announced that South Africa must forfeit three points
• As a result, Benin Republic will go top of the standings with 14 points as well, but with a better goal difference

South Africa have forfeited three points and three goals in the race for the 2026 World Cup, following severe sanctions from FIFA.

Bafana Bafana had fielded an ineligible player during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March, thereby breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

In a statement on Monday, September 29, FIFA maintained that Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to feature in the encounter as he should have served a match suspension.

FIFA noted that South Africa have forfeited the match by three goals, meaning Benin Republic will be ahead with 14 points as well, but with a better goal difference.

The decision comes about six months after the match, with the Benin FA as well as the Nigeria Football Federation calling for sanctions.

FIFA also handed a CHF 10,000 fine on the South African Football Association, but noted that the decision can be appealed within ten days, per ESPN.

Below are 6 points from FIFA's letter to South Africa

1. SAFA sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the World Cup 2026 qualifier vs. Lesotho.
2. Breach of FIFA Disciplinary Code (Art. 19) and World Cup Regulations (Art. 14).
3. South Africa forfeits the match, losing 3-0.
4. SAFA fined CHF 10,000 by FIFA.
5. Teboho Mokoena issued a warning.
6. Parties have 10 days to request a motivated decision; forfeiture can be appealed.

Benin go top of CAF qualification group C

As a result, the Cheetahs of Benin Republic will go top of the group ahead of the final phase of the qualification series.

Although they have 14 points like South Africa, the Cheetahs occupy the top position with a better goal difference.

The revised group standings show - Benin on 14 (+4); South Africa on 14 (+3), Nigeria on 11 (+2), Rwanda on 11 (0), Lesotho on 9 (-3) and Zimbabwe on 4 (-6).

Only one of the teams will pick an automatic ticket to the global showpiece, while the second-place team in the group could have a chance via inter-confederation play-offs.

FIFA has set October for the final phase of the qualification series, as the group could be decided on the final matchday.

NFF hopeful of World Cup qualification

Legit.ng earlier reported that the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has maintained that the Super Eagles will do everything possible to pick an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria has been dismal in the qualification series, managing just two wins from eight matches as they languish in third position in CAF qualification group C with 11 points. He said:

"We will do our best to make sure that Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup."

Source: Legit.ng