LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Kashmir English): South Africa have forfeited a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, FIFA, the world football governing body, has announced.
South Africa’s 2-0 victory on March 21 in Polokwane has been changed with a 3-0 defeat meaning the side drops to second place in Group C of the African qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth on the table.
According to the FIFA disciplinary committee, South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by fielding Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe.
South African sports minister
Gayton McKenzie, sports minister of South African said the sanction was “deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation”.
“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it,” he said.
“We thank FIFA for swift action and not making us wonder and wait in agony about our fate.”
“However, our immediate focus must be on rallying behind our national team as they prepare for their crucial final two matches in October.”
“Bafana Bafana have played with immense heart and determination to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup next year, and they deserve our unwavering support.”
“This deduction is but a bump in the road, and we believe that we remain firmly on track for qualification.”
“My department will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction.”
The South African FA must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536) though it can still appeal the decision.
The FIFA decision gave a lifeline to Nigeria who move back to within three points of the top two going into the final two rounds of qualifiers next month.
