The Federation of International Football Association has launched disciplinary action against the South African Football Association and midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
FIFA alleges that Mokoena, who turns out for South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, was illegally fielded in Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with Lesotho on March 21, 2025, in Polokwane. South Africa won the Group C fixture 2-0.
Investigations revealed that the 27-year-old should have been serving a mandatory suspension after collecting consecutive yellow cards in earlier qualifiers against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe.
FIFA regulations stipulate that two bookings in separate matches result in a one-match ban.
The world football body confirmed to SABC that both Mokoena and SAFA are facing charges for violating disciplinary rules, particularly the use of an ineligible player.
The matter has now been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which has given the parties six days to respond.
Should the charges be upheld, South Africa risk forfeiting the victory, which would see Lesotho awarded a 3-0 walkover.
