The South African Football Association (SAFA) has acknowledged Monday’s ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee which sanctioned the association for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
In terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0.
SAFA has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10 000 (R220 000), while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
‘Unprecedented outcome’
In a statement, SAFA mentioned that it was “deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the association an opportunity to present legal arguments.”
SAFA confirmed that it has requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
Despite the outcome, SAFA emphasised its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign.
“The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead.
“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign.
“Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”
Bafana Bafana will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 10 October 2025, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, 14 October 2025.
Both matches will kick off at 18:00.
‘Deeply regrettable’
Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, also addressed the news that FIFA has docked Bafana Bafana points.
Curiously, McKenzie made no mention of SAFA’s intention to appeal the FIFA ruling.
McKenzie took to social media to post a lengthy statement in response to the world governing body’s decision.
He called the decision “deeply regrettable” and one that has “brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football”.
He acknowledged that the situation has “brought South Africa into disrepute” and that “we must take full responsibility”.
He thanked FIFA for its swift action.
He concluded by writing that the Department off Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a through investigation into the “incompetence that led to this sanction”.
McKenzie promised that a comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on the matter to prevent future occurrences.
What happened?
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards, should have been suspended for the match played on 21 March 2025 in Polokwane.
Despite this, he featured in South Africa’s 2-0 win, triggering a disciplinary breach under Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
The consequences are significant:
- The 2-0 win has been overturned, and the match is now recorded as a 3-0 victory for Lesotho
- South Africa drops three points, losing their top spot in Group C
- Benin now leapfrogs Bafana to lead the group
- The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined CHF 10 000 (R220 000)
- Mokoena has received a formal warning
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited… SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000,” read an official FIFA statement.
Group C Shake-Up
Before the ruling:
- South Africa had 17 points from 8 games
- Benin trailed with 14 points
Now:
- South Africa drops to 14 points, behind Benin on goal difference or head-to-head (depending on CAF/FIFA tiebreakers)
What’s Next for Bafana Bafana?
Bafana Bafana now face must-win fixtures against:
- Zimbabwe (Friday, 10 October at 18:00)
- Rwanda (Tuesday, 14 October at 18:00)
Meanwhile, Benin will face:
- Rwanda
- Nigeria
With only two matches remaining in the qualification campaign, South Africa may well need six points from six to have any chance of qualifying, relying on other results to go their way.
This incident has sparked widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and former players, with many calling it a “rookie administrative error” at a time when the national team had regained momentum under Broos.
