John Okoro
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has issued a strong response following FIFA’s decision to dock three points and impose a financial penalty on Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year.
FIFA’s ruling, announced on Monday, came after midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in the March clash despite being suspended due to accumulated yellow cards in previous qualifiers.
South Africa’s initial 2-0 victory was overturned, with FIFA awarding Lesotho a 3-0 default win—a decision that has reshaped the Group C standings.
The sanction has tightened the race for qualification, with Benin Republic now leading the group on goal difference. South Africa, previously six points clear of Nigeria, now sit just three points ahead of the Super Eagles.
SAFA has criticized the ruling as excessively severe and lacking due process. In an official statement, the association expressed frustration over the unilateral decision, stating, “We are deeply troubled by this outcome, which was issued without justification or the chance for SAFA to present its case.”
The governing body has demanded written explanations for the verdict and plans to file an appeal with FIFA’s Appeals Committee within the stipulated timeframe.
With the appeal pending, Bafana Bafana face a critical final stretch in the qualifiers. Coach Hugo Broos must guide his team to victories against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in October to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Benin Republic, now in pole position, will look to capitalize on the situation when they face Rwanda and Nigeria in their remaining matches. Nigeria, meanwhile, must secure maximum points against Zimbabwe to stay in contention.
What once appeared a straightforward path for South Africa has now turned into a fiercely contested battle, with only two matchdays left to determine the group’s fate.
Omotayo Fashola
