The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that FIFA has opened an investigation into the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena during Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao revealed that FIFA formally contacted the association this week, raising questions about how Mokoena was allowed to play despite being suspended. The midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards prior to the match, making him ineligible for selection.
“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded, we received it yesterday,” Monyepao told Idiski Times. “So we’re preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which is ultimately required of us as an association…”
If FIFA rules against South Africa, their 2-0 victory could be overturned into a 3-0 defeat, a decision that may reshape the race for qualification in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Currently, South Africa sit at the top of the group with 17 points. Benin Republic follow closely on 14 points, while Nigeria remain in contention with 11 points and two matches left to play. Both Benin and Nigeria are expected to monitor the outcome closely, as a ruling against Bafana Bafana could open the door for them to close the gap.
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