FIFA sanctions SAFA over fielding ineligible player

Zuko Komisa

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The South African Football Association (SAFA) was sanctioned by FIFA for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during a World Cup preliminary match against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
The match has been forfeited 3-0 to Lesotho, and SAFA was fined CHF 10,000 for the breach of disciplinary and competition regulations.
The decision, which includes a warning for the player, is subject to appeal and follows notification to the parties today.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been sanctioned by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player during a recent World Cup qualifying match.

The disciplinary action stems from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ preliminary competition fixture against Lesotho, played on 21 March 2025. The Committee ruled that SAFA breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the Preliminary Competition Regulations by selecting Teboho Mokoena, who was deemed ineligible.

Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match to have been forfeited by the representative team of South Africa, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Lesotho.

In addition to losing the points, SAFA has been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA. The player at the centre of the dispute, Teboho Mokoena, has been issued a warning.

The parties involved were notified of the decision today. In line with the FDC’s provisions, SAFA has a ten-day period in which to request a motivated decision. The forfeiture is currently provisional, as it remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.