South Africa’s Ineligible Player Controversy: Will FIFA Enforce Its Own Rules?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have taken a dramatic twist following revelations that South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their Matchday 5 clash against Lesotho. Despite Lesotho withdrawing their official protest, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee still has the authority to act on its own. This situation raises critical questions about football governance, COSAFA politics, and FIFA’s consistency in enforcing its rules.
FIFA’s Rule on Fielding an Ineligible Player
FIFA’s regulations regarding ineligible players are clear. Article 8 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code states that sanctions can be applied even without an official protest. The rule is self-enforcing, meaning that if a team breaches eligibility regulations, FIFA has the power to act on its own, whether or not the affected team files a complaint.
The relevant part of the rule states:
“If a protest doesn’t follow the rules, it will be ignored. However, FIFA Disciplinary Committee can still investigate and punish a wrongdoing on its own, even if no official protest was made.”
This means South Africa’s breach is a matter of fact, not debate. If Mokoena was indeed suspended, as records suggest, FIFA should apply the standard punishment: a 3-0 forfeit loss and a three-point deduction.
Precedents: Has FIFA Always Applied the Rule?
Nigeria is no stranger to this kind of ruling. During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria fielded Abdullahi Shehu, who was suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards. Even though Nigeria had already secured qualification, FIFA stripped them of three points and awarded Algeria a 3-0 victory.
The key question: Was there a formal protest in that case?
No. FIFA enforced the rule on its own. This is why the current scenario with South Africa should not require a protest from Lesotho to trigger disciplinary action. FIFA must maintain consistency and enforce its regulations regardless of external pressures.
Other notable examples include:
2014 World Cup qualifiers – Cape Verde was docked three points for fielding an ineligible player against Tunisia.
2018 World Cup qualifiers – Bolivia forfeited two matches for fielding an ineligible player against Peru and Chile.
In both cases, FIFA applied its rules strictly. Why should South Africa’s case be different?
COSAFA Politics: Is Lesotho Protecting South Africa?
Lesotho initially raised the alarm but later withdrew their protest, citing a “time bar” issue. However, many observers believe COSAFA politics played a role.
Both South Africa and Lesotho are members of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), a regional body that has historically protected its own. South Africa, being the economic and football powerhouse of the region, holds significant influence. This raises concerns that Lesotho officials may have backed down due to political pressure rather than a genuine legal barrier.
If FIFA allows COSAFA politics to override its regulations, it sets a dangerous precedent where regional influence can override global football laws.
It is however important to start here that, the secretary general of Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) Mokhosi Mohapi says they are hopeful that FIFA will stick by it rules and deduct points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
Lesotho were beaten 2-0 by South Africa who fielded an ineligible player in Teboho Mokoena, who was supposed to be suspended for the game after picking up two yellow cards in previous games.
Reports were rife in South Africa about Lesotho not pursuing an appeal due to the fact that they have lost time to make, because such appeal must be made within a stipulated time as stated by FIFA.
Mohapi rubbished the claims saying FIFA should protect the integrity of the game by living to their rules, and deduct points from South Africa like they have done in previous similar cases.
“First of all, you should understand that the Lesotho Football Association is a member of Fifa, who is in good standing, and therefore we are obligated to protect the integrity of sports,” Mohapi said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
“We are also obligated to assist Fifa in protecting the integrity of the game. Now, we are merely saying to Fifa, ‘Live and die by your regulations’. If you have precedence where you have deducted points before on matters that are very similar to the subject today, do so. So then we know your notion of fair play is applied irrespective of who is the perpetrator in this instance.
But we are merely helping Fifa as a bona fide member in good standing that lives and dies by your regulations. Be seen to apply the notion of fair play consistently.
He went further to also say they are not being influenced by Nigeria to pursue a case, rather they are only seeking for justice which they believe FIFA will grant.
“I must be honest with you (in regard to whether there are talks with the Nigeria Football Federation joining as an interested party). If I were to talk with the Nigerian Football Federation, I would talk with Dr. (Mohammed) Sanusi, who is the secretary-general. I have not spoken to him ever since in Egypt,” Mohapi clarified.
“If Fifa finds that they have instances before, deducted points, and allocated somewhere, I just say they must do it now without looking at technicalities,” he added.
The Nigerian Factor: Should the Super Eagles Push for Justice?
With Nigeria in the same qualification group as South Africa, the Super Eagles’ officials are reportedly pushing for FIFA to enforce its rules. If South Africa loses three points, it could significantly impact the standings and Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
However, this should not be about national interests alone. This is about fairness and the integrity of the game. If FIFA fails to act, it risks undermining its credibility and creating room for further rule violations.
Final Thoughts: FIFA Must Play by the Rules
South Africa’s fielding of an ineligible player is a clear-cut violation of FIFA’s regulations. The precedent is there—teams have lost points and games for similar breaches in the past, even without a protest.
This case is not just about South Africa or Lesotho; it is about FIFA’s responsibility to uphold its own rules. If the governing body fails to act, it sends a message that some teams are above the law.
Will FIFA enforce its own rules, or will COSAFA politics win the day? The football world is watching.
Discover more from Diamond Fountain Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
