FIFA reportedly launches an investigation into SAFA and Teboho Mokoena

Zuko Komisa

FIFA has reportedly initiated disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association and midfielder Teboho Mokoena for fielding him while he was under suspension.
The case stems from a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier where Mokoena played in a 2-0 victory against Lesotho despite having accumulated two yellow cards.
If found guilty, South Africa could forfeit the match, which would award Lesotho a 3-0 victory and complicate Bafana Bafana’s path to World Cup qualification.

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana player Teboho Mokoena for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in a recent World Cup qualifier.

According to reports the investigation centres on the team’s 2-0 victory against Lesotho on 21 March, in which Mokoena played despite reportedly being under a one-match suspension.

The 28-year-old midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards in previous qualifiers – one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in June 2024. Under FIFA’s disciplinary rules, this automatically triggered a ban for the subsequent match.

In a letter to SAFA which has reportedly dated 15 September 2025, seen by the public broadcaster SABC, FIFA confirmed that both Mokoena and the association face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations.

The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, and both parties have been given six days to respond.

If found guilty, Bafana Bafana could be forced to forfeit the match, which would result in a 3-0 victory for Lesotho.

This outcome would significantly impact the qualification standings, as it would drop South Africa’s points to 14, putting them level with Benin. The team would remain at the top of their group on goal difference, but their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup would become more challenging.

SAFA has not yet issued a public statement on the matter.