World Cup Blow: SAFA Fined, Match Awarded To Lesotho

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been sanctioned by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player during a 2026 FIFA World Cup™ preliminary fixture, dealing a heavy blow to the country’s qualification hopes.

The controversy surrounds midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who played in South Africa’s clash against Lesotho on 21 March 2025, despite not meeting eligibility requirements. In a statement released on Monday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed that SAFA had breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the Preliminary Competition Regulations.

As punishment, FIFA has overturned the result of the match, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory by default. In addition, SAFA must pay a CHF 10,000 fine, while Mokoena received an official warning from football’s governing body.

FIFA stated that the parties involved have ten days to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, will be published on its legal portal. SAFA retains the right to appeal the ruling before the FIFA Appeal Committee, though the sanction remains in force unless overturned.

For Lesotho, the decision represents a dramatic and unexpected boost to their World Cup qualifying campaign. For South Africa, it is a costly administrative blunder that raises tough questions about compliance, due diligence, and the management of its national team in high-stakes competitions.