The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced plans to appeal FIFA’s decision to dock three points from Bafana Bafana in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following the use of an ineligible player.
The penalty stems from the inclusion of Teboho Mokoena in a Group C match against Lesotho in March — a game South Africa had initially won 2-0. On Monday, FIFA ruled that Mokoena was ineligible to play due to an automatic suspension after accumulating two yellow cards earlier in the group stage. As a result, FIFA awarded a 3-0 victory to Lesotho and deducted three points from South Africa.
The ruling drops Bafana Bafana from first to second place in Group C, now level on 14 points with Benin, who move ahead on goal difference. Nigeria’s Super Eagles remain in third with 11 points.
SAFA expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ruling, calling it “unprecedented” and criticizing the fact that it was issued by a single-member panel, allegedly without written reasons or an opportunity for the Association to present legal arguments.
In response, SAFA has formally requested the written rationale behind the decision and confirmed its intention to file an appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the stipulated 10-day window.
SAFA President, Dr. Danny Jordaan, issued an apology to the nation for what he described as an “administrative oversight,” but emphasized that the association remains fully committed to Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification efforts.
South Africa’s final two qualifiers are scheduled for next month:
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October 10 vs. Zimbabwe in Durban
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October 14 vs. Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium
SAFA says preparations for the matches are ongoing, and the team remains focused despite the setback.
