FIFA Dock Points from Bafana Bafana

images: Business Live

Bafana bafana Head coach Hugo Broos 

by Lwandiso Simanga 

FIFA has officially sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) after Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March 2025. Mokoena, who was under suspension after accumulating yellow cards, was not eligible to play in the fixture. His participation violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

As a result, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has ruled that the match be forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory. This effectively deducts three crucial points from South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign. In addition to the points deduction, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000 (approximately R200,000). Mokoena himself has received a formal warning from FIFA.

Bafana Bafana midfielder Tebogo Mokoena 

The ruling represents a major setback for Bafana Bafana, who had been chasing qualification momentum. With points at a premium in the highly competitive group stage, the sanction could have serious implications for their World Cup hopes.

SAFA and the affected parties have been notified of the decision. According to FIFA regulations, they have ten days to request a full, detailed judgment, which would then be published on FIFA’s legal website. The forfeiture decision remains open to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

This development adds fresh drama to South Africa’s qualifying campaign, leaving the team and supporters anxiously awaiting the association’s next steps.