South Africa Sports Minister Reacts to FIFA 3 Points Deduction, Wants Culprits Punished
- FIFA has punished South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- The world football governing body deducted three points from Bafana Bafana and overturned their win against Lesotho
- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has called the incident embarrassing and vowed a full investigation into SAFA’s handling of the situation
On Monday, FIFA confirmed that South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho on March 21 has been overturned for fielding an ineligible player.
The world football governing body disciplinary committee discovered that Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers, should have been suspended for the game.
Source: Getty Images
Instead, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder played 82 minutes of the game, prompting FIFA to award Lesotho a 3-0 victory by default.
Alongside the three-point deduction, SAFA was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs, and the ruling has seen South Africa drop from the top of Group C to second place, tied on 14 points with Benin but behind on goal difference, Inside FIFA reports.
This decision now places Hugo Broos’ men in a far more precarious position with just two games remaining.
Sports Minister wants culprits punished
South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie issued a strongly worded statement following FIFA’s announcement, describing the incident as “deeply regrettable” and an embarrassment to the nation, ESPN reports.
Source: Getty Images
McKenzie pledged that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) would spearhead an investigation into the matter.
“This development has brought our football into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it,” McKenzie said.
“The DSAC will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.”
McKenzie also commended FIFA for its swift decision, noting that it was better than leaving the nation to wonder and wait in agony about their fate.
What the sanctions mean for South Africa
The consequences of the 3-point sanction from FIFA could be decisive in Group C, where only the winners secure an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup.
With South Africa now level on 14 points with Benin but trailing on goal difference, their path has become significantly harder.
Bafana Bafana face a challenging trip to Kigali to play Rwanda on October 10, followed by a potentially decisive clash against Nigeria on October 14.
Meanwhile, third-placed Nigeria, who sit just behind with 10 points, will face Lesotho and then Benin in matches that could dramatically reshape the group standings.
If the appeal lodged by SAFA fails, South Africa must win both remaining matches and hope results elsewhere go in their favour to stand a chance of qualifying.
South Africa's World Cup hopes over
Following FIFA's sanction on South Africa, UK-based Nigerian journalist, Samuel Omaenikun, in a chat with Legit.ng, says Bafana Bafana may not qualify for the World Cup after this ruling.
"This is a major blow to South African football and one that might end their aspirations to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
"It is only expected that actions will be taken now against the culprits as the entire country is feeling angry after seeing their chance to go to the World Cup slip away due to negligence."
SAFA set to appeal FIFA sanction
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) has decided to appeal FIFA's decision to sanction the country over fielding an ineligible player during a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
SAFA disagreed with FIFA over the outcome of their panel, as the association pointed out that the decision was made by a single-member panel.
Source: Legit.ng
