World football governing body FIFA has officially launched disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana star Teboho Mokoena, raising concerns over the midfielder’s participation in a key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Suspension Breach Sparks Investigation
The issue centres on South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on 21 March, where Mokoena featured despite being suspended. The 28-year-old had picked up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifying campaign, one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in June 2024, which should have ruled him out for one match under FIFA regulations.
FIFA’s letter to SAFA, dated 15 September 2025 and seen by SABC Sport, confirmed that both the player and the association are facing charges for allegedly breaching disciplinary rules by fielding an ineligible player.
Case Heads to FIFA Disciplinary Committee
The matter will now be handled by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FIFA DC), which will review the case before making a ruling. SAFA and Mokoena have been given six days to present their defence before a decision is made.
Potential sanctions could be severe. If FIFA rules against South Africa, Bafana Bafana may have to forfeit the Lesotho result, handing their neighbours a 3–0 win on paper. Additional punishments, such as monetary fines or suspensions, are also possible.
Also read: Teboho Mokoena Controversy: Could Bafana Bafana Lose World Cup Qualifier Points?
Group D Qualification Could Be Shaken
Losing those three points would significantly tighten Group D of CAF’s World Cup qualifiers. Bafana Bafana currently lead the group with 17 points from eight matches, but a forfeit would see them drop to 14 points, level with Benin, who have a goal difference of +4 compared to South Africa’s +6.
Lesotho’s tally would rise from six points to nine, but they would stay in fifth place, still behind Nigeria and Rwanda, who are tied on 11 points each.
This development raises the stakes for coach Hugo Broos’ team, who must now beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two fixtures in October to ensure qualification. Their fate, however, could still depend on results elsewhere, with Benin needing to face both Rwanda and Nigeria in their remaining matches.
SAFA Remains Silent
At this stage, SAFA has not issued an official comment on the matter, leaving supporters anxious over what the final outcome could mean for Bafana’s World Cup hopes.
Also read: Bafana Bafana Keep 2026 World Cup Dreams Alive After Nigeria Stalemate
The news comes at a crucial moment, as South Africa look to qualify for their first World Cup since 2010. Mokoena, a key figure in the team’s midfield, has been instrumental in their campaign and his potential suspension could pose a major headache for Broos in the decisive October fixtures.
Fans and pundits alike will now be keeping a close eye on FIFA’s disciplinary process, with the ruling likely to have far-reaching implications for Bafana’s road to North America in 2026.
