South African football has been thrown into confusion as FIFA continues to remain silent on a disciplinary breach that could significantly impact the race for the 2026 World Cup qualification.
The controversy centers on South Africa’s decision to field midfielder Tebeho Mokoena against Lesotho in March, despite the player being ineligible due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the competition. Bafana Bafana went on to secure a 2-0 victory in Johannesburg, a result that pushed them to the top of Group C. However, that win is now clouded by uncertainty as rival nations demand clarity from FIFA.
According to FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, a player who accumulates two cautions in the same competition should automatically sit out the following match. Furthermore, when a team fields an ineligible player, the regulations state that the match should be forfeited, with the opposition awarded a 3-0 victory unless the actual result was more favorable.
This precedent has been applied before. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria lost a point after fielding defender Shehu Abdullahi, who was suspended at the time. The swift enforcement of that case has left many wondering why similar action has not been taken against South Africa.
The uncertainty has rattled Group C. With the victory intact, South Africa sits at the summit with 13 points, five ahead of Rwanda and Benin, and six clear of Nigeria. Lesotho are on six points, while Zimbabwe anchor the group with four. Should the three points be docked, South Africa’s lead would shrink to two, while Lesotho would rise to second place, reshaping the qualification picture entirely.
This lack of clarity is particularly frustrating for group rivals. Coaches and federations argue that FIFA’s delay is unfair, especially with crucial fixtures around the corner. The possibility of a late ruling has created an atmosphere of distrust and unease across southern Africa’s qualifying campaign.
Despite the controversy, South Africa still occupies pole position to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 finals in North America. Yet, until FIFA delivers a definitive ruling, the group standings remain in limbo, and the qualification race continues under a cloud of uncertainty.
