FIFA fines SAFA, forfeits Lesotho match 3-0 over ineligible player

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee on Monday ruled that the South African Football Association fielded an ineligible player in the March 21, 2025 World Cup preliminary qualifier against Lesotho, forfeiting the match and awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory. The decision, announced by FIFA, also imposed a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs on the association and issued a formal warning to midfielder Teboho Mokoena, further damaging South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA said the South African Football Association breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations by naming and playing an ineligible player in the Group C fixture held in March. The disciplinary body confirmed the parties have 10 days to request a motivated decision, which would be published on FIFA’s legal website, and that the ruling is subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee. FIFA added, "All associations must respect player eligibility requirements, and violations cannot be overlooked."

The forfeiture reduces South Africa’s points tally in Group C from 17 to 14, erasing the three points earned in the original 2-0...