SAFA defiant in the face of FIFA points deduction

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has apologised to the nation after FIFA fined it R215,000 and docked Bafana Bafana three points for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

https://t.co/eIZeDBWzBd

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) September 29, 2025

Mokoena was not supposed to play in the match as he had received two yellow cards from previous qualifiers. The oversight has resulted in Bafana forfeiting the game and being slapped with a 3-0 loss, subsequently moving Hugo Broos’ side down to second spot in Group C behind Benin and needing to win both of their qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month, to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) acknowledges a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee which sanctioned the Association for erroneously fielding midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025,” the statement read.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie has also ordered an investigation into the oversight.

pic.twitter.com/Kb87VEK1At

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 29, 2025

South Africans have reacted to the development, with some expressing concern while others remain hopeful that the team can still qualify for the World Cup.

❌ NOT the player’s responsibility

Teboho Mokoena received the first yellow card on the 18th of November 2023 🟨

Bafana Bafana then plays 13 games, (incl. an AFCON tournament).

7 months later.. Teboho Mokoena receives his second yellow card on the 11th of June 2024. 🟨… pic.twitter.com/8EtafAdep6

— Michael Morton (@MMORTON6) September 30, 2025

I think Bafana Bafana will be ok. We just need to win our next 2 games, secure all 6 points & for Nigeria 🇳🇬 to win or secure a draw against Benin 🇧🇯 🤧 pic.twitter.com/cGmKrOwZr7

— JJ Sesing (@JjSesing) September 29, 2025

These 3 points Bafana Bafana deduction for fielding an ineligible player is an absolute disgrace from SAFA from top to bottom. We are in 2025 not in 1875.
We expect some heads to roll. And not only the person that was responsible for this but also top management. Unbelievable.

— Joseph Bertrand (@JoBertrand19) September 29, 2025

Bafana Bafana’s last two qualifying matches are against Zimbabwe & Rwanda.

Hugo Broos will make sure we win those matches convincingly.

South Africa is going to the World Cup next year, by fire by force 🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/nlSQST4EUx

— Jesse F. (@JesseFJacobs) September 29, 2025

Bafana Bafana has 3 points and 3 goals deducted by FIFA😭😭.

Mzansi don’t forget that we have our neighbors Zimbabweans and Lesotho together with those who envy us (Nigeria). All these people don’t even like us, we must fight hard for that Qualification!!🥹 pic.twitter.com/IZmOwVr4aw

— Micah Da Music (@MicahDaMusic) September 29, 2025

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari