W’Cup qualifier: S’Africa to appeal FIFA’s points deduction
The South African Football Association has announced its intention to appeal FIFA’s ruling that docked the national team, Bafana Bafana, three points for fielding an ineligible player in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that, in line with its regulations, Lesotho has been awarded a 3-0 victory for the Group C fixture played on March 21.
Originally, South Africa had won the game 2-0, but Teboho Mokoena participated despite being suspended for accumulating two yellow cards earlier in the group stage.
The ruling sees Bafana drop to second place in the group with 14 points, while Benin Republic move to the top spot on the same points tally. Nigeria’s Super Eagles sit third with 11 points.
Responding to FIFA’s decision, SAFA issued a statement on Monday via citizen.co.za, saying, “As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments.
“The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.”
The statement continued, “The Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign.
“The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead.
“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign.”
Bafana Bafana are set to play their final two qualifiers next month, hosting Zimbabwe in Durban on October 10 before facing Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium four days later.
