Points Deduction Looms as FIFA Opens Case against South Africa

After months of clamour, the world’s football governing body, FIFA, has officially opened disciplinary actions against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in March, Influence Media reports.

South African outlet, SABC Sport, reports that FIFA has levelled charges against the South African Football Association and Mokoena.

“In a letter to SAFA dated September 15, 2025 – seen by the public broadcaster, FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player,” the report stated.

“The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response.”

Bafana Bafana are facing charges after fielding Mokoena, who was ineligible to play in March’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

The 28-year-old midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers – first against Benin in November 2023 and then against Zimbabwe in June 2024 – which, under FIFA rules, triggered a one-match ban.

If found guilty, Bafana Bafana could be forced to forfeit the result of the match, which would hand Lesotho a 3–0 victory on paper, while other sanctions such as fines or suspensions could also be imposed.

South Africa currently lead Group C with 17 points, but a potential deduction will see them level on points with the Benin Republic (14) and also reduce the gap between them and Nigeria to three points, leaving the chances of picking the automatic ticket open with two games to go.

Lesotho, meanwhile, will find their tally bumped up from six points to nine, but will remain in fifth position, two points behind third-placed Nigeria and fourth-placed Rwanda on 11 points each.

South Africa will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers in October. Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Lesotho (away) and the Benin Republic, with the hope that South Africa slip up in either or both of their fixtures.

FIFA has recently punished Equatorial Guinea for also fielding an ineligible player, Emilio Nsue, during the qualifiers, and the decision was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

However, despite the disciplinary case opening against South Africa, Nigerians on social media remain deeply sceptical about the Super Eagles’ chances of turning the situation around.

Charles Anazodo wrote, “E be like say hope don dey o. FIFA has written to South Africa to explain why they shouldn’t be sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho. They have a week to respond.”

But others were quick to pour cold water on optimism. Justin Ogbonnah (@justinogbonnah9) said, “Nigeria should allow Benin to go, because we don’t deserve it, my reason, we can draw 5 winnable matches and expect miracles to happen?”

Asiwaju Abiodun (@AbiodunAdeyem17) added, “I see no hope. Even if 3 points are deducted, they will still be ahead with 3 points. The only hope is for us to win the rest matches and Benin Republic being one of it.”

Echoing the same concern, Emmidoma (@emmidoma2000) stated, “Even if dem deduct 3 points dem go still pass us, abeg 70% of these Nigerian players no deserve to go World Cup.”

For Isah Abdulmumeem (@saturnhill), the issue is beyond mathematics. “Me I don commot my mind hypertension no go kill me meanwhile all the Board of NFF must proceed on compulsory resignation,” he said.

Mudiaga Etohwo (@mudibenjam) was equally doubtful. “Is there really any hope? Not much will change, if we had won our last match…..maybe, just maybe.”

Some were blunter in their verdict. King of Queens wrote, “There’s no hope at all even if 6 points is deducted from their points. Super Chicken will still messed up.”

Ike Basil (@ikechukwuo16276) also offered a stinging criticism of the team. “The Super eagles that will still draw against Lesotho are the ones you are making case for. The team is poor and awful.”

The mixture of faint optimism and widespread frustration reflects the growing impatience among Nigerians, who believe that even a favourable FIFA ruling may not mask the team’s deeper problems on the pitch.

Punch