FIFA Sanctions SAFA for Fielding Ineligible Player in World Cup Match

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee penalized the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup preliminary match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. FIFA confirmed that South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

As a result, FIFA awarded the match to Lesotho, overturning the original result, and SAFA was ordered to pay Mokoena. The world football governing body also issued an official warning.

All parties involved were given 10 days to request a review before the decision was finalized.