The Bafana Bafana of South Africa are at risk of losing three points in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa fielded an ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in matchday five against Lesotho which ended in a 2-0 victory.
Mokoena wasn’t eligible to play the match according to FIFA regulations having amassed two yellow cards in the qualification series.
However, Teboho Mokoeona played the match against Lesotho until the 81st minute.
Mokoena received a yellow card in matchday 1 against Benin Republic in the 54th minute and another yellow card against Zimbabwe on matchday 4 against Zimbabwe in the 52nd minute.
According to2026 FIFA World Cup preliminary rouund rule book,
“If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match (in matches decided by penalties) or in two different matches of the competition, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match.”
“If players or team officials are sent off as a result of a direct or an indirect red card, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.”
Teboho Mokoena featured in the subsequent against Lesotho which is a clear violation of the rule.
South Africa currently top Group C with 10 but may be lose three ponts after an investigation by FIFA.
A three-point deduction could greatly affect South Africa’s chances of picking the 2026 World Cup ticket.
Nigeria also faced a similar situation in 2017 en route to the 2018 FIFA World Cup although the point deduction didn’t affect Super Eagles qualification.
Shehu Abdullahi received a yellow card in the first leg of the second round tie against Swaziland in November 2015 and another yellow card against Zambia in October 2017.
However, instead of missing out on the final group match against Algeria, Abdullahi played the entire duration of the match. Hence, the deduction.
Fortunately, the Super Eagles had a better points difference over Algeria and Cameroun which helped them retained their spot on top of the group despite the sanction.
