BAD NEWS: FIFA to strip Bafana of Lesotho win over ineligible Mokoena

Bafana Bafana are set to lose three points after FIFA decided to open an investigation into the ineligibility of Teboho Mokoena.

Sep 18, 2025 - 20:00
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BAD NEWS: FIFA to strip Bafana of Lesotho win over ineligible Mokoena

FIFA have officially opened an investigation into the ineligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

The 28-year-old midfield maestro was fielded while under suspension in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which South Africa won 2–0 against Lesotho on 21 March.

Before that match, Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers and should have served a one-match ban in that match against the Crocodiles.

Bafana could be docked points over Mokoena saga

The matter was raised during Bafana Bafana‘s recent World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria. According to various reports, Lesotho failed to make a protest to FIFA within the 24 hours after the conclusion of the match.

FIFA rules state that protests regarding ineligible players have to be made in writing “within 24 hours of the end of the match and shall be dealt with by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, otherwise they will be disregarded.”

The association, however, could still make a ruling even if the protest was lodged after 24 hours, as per SABC Sport.

What will be the likely outcome?

For the fact that FIFA are investigating the case, chances are that South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho will most likely be overturned. If Bafana are found guilty over the Mokoena saga, they will lose three points.

“If a player fielded in a match is declared ineligible after a protest the team to which the player belongs will be sanctioned by forfeiting the match and paying a minimum fine of 6,000 Swiss francs [R132,000]. The player may also be sanctioned,” FIFA states.

Mokoena featured in Bafana Bafana’s previous matches but was omitted from the match squad against Benin after the issue of his eligibility arose earlier this year. If Bafana were to be docked, they would be on 14 points needing to win all their remaining matches to qualify.

Can Bafana still qualify for the World Cup?

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