OFFICIAL: FIFA opens case against SAFA over Teboho Mokoena eligibility
18th September 2025
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SABC Sport has established that FIFA have officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
This after Mokoena was fielded while under suspension in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which South Africa won 2–0 against Lesotho on 21 March in Polokwane.
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.
In a letter to SAFA dated 15 September 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 case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response.
If found guilty, 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.
Should a forfeit be handed down by the FIFA DC, coach Hugo Broos' charges will find themselves level on points with Benin (14) after eight matches, but remain top with a superior goal difference of +6 to The Cheetahs' +4.
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 have to beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers in October, provided Benin do not slip up against The Wasps and the Super Eagles, who will have to win both of their remaining matches and hope Bafana slip up in either or both of their fixtures.
SAFA has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.
