South Africa Faces Three-Point Deduction Over Ineligible Player in World Cup Qualifier

South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has hit a potential roadblock as they risk losing three crucial points for fielding an ineligible player in their recent qualifier against Lesotho.

Reports indicate that Teboho Mokoena, a key player for Bafana Bafana, should have been suspended for the match after receiving two yellow cards in previous games against Benin and Zimbabwe. However, he was still included in the squad, a violation of FIFA’s disciplinary rules.

How This Could Impact South Africa’s Qualification Hopes

South Africa currently sits at the top of Group C in the FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers, and a potential three-point deduction could severely impact their standing. Losing these points would not only reduce their advantage but could also boost the chances of their group rivals, making the qualification race even more competitive.

What FIFA’s Rules Say

FIFA’s regulations are clear when it comes to suspensions:

• A player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-game suspension in the following fixture.

•If a team fields an ineligible player, they forfeit the match, which is usually recorded as a 3-0 defeat.

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If FIFA enforces these rules, South Africa could be stripped of their points from the match against Lesotho, which would be a massive setback for their qualification hopes.

Possible Repercussions and Next Steps

•Lesotho Could Benefit – If the protest is upheld, Lesotho could be awarded three points, which might significantly change the group standings.

•SAFA Could Appeal – The South African Football Association (SAFA) might try to contest the ruling, but FIFA’s stance on disciplinary matters is usually strict.

•Group C Could Be Thrown Wide Open – If South Africa loses points, it could create an opportunity for teams like Nigeria, Benin, and Rwanda to strengthen their qualification chances.

Final Thoughts

This developing situation puts South Africa’s World Cup dreams in jeopardy, and the final verdict from FIFA will be crucial. If a three-point deduction is confirmed, it could reshape the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers and make the battle for Group C’s top spot even more intense.

Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes qualification drama.