World football governing body FIFA will investigate the ineligibility issue involving Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
Mokoena featured in a World Cup Qualifier against Lesotho in March despite being suspended.
FIFA regulations state a player who picks up two yellow cards in the qualifiers must serve a one-match suspension.
Mokoena picked up his first yellow card against Benin in November 2023 and then against Zimbabwe in June 2024.
Therefore, Mokoena and SAFA are charged for breaching disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.
Bafana won the match 2-0 in Polokwane, and for months, the matter went quiet after Lesotho failed to lodge a protest.
As per FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, “protests must reach the Disciplinary Committee in writing, indicating the relevant grounds, within 24 hours of the end of the match in question. The 24-hour time limit cannot be extended.”
The issue became a focal point during the qualifiers earlier this month when Bafana Bafana met Lesotho again, this time in Bloemfontein, winning 3-0, before drawing 1-1 with Nigeria.
The four points collected maintained Bafana Bafana’s lead at the top of Group C with 17 points from eight matches, followed by Benin (14 points) and Nigeria (11).
Should Bafana Bafana be found to have violated the rules, the possible sanctions may include a 3-0 forfeit, fines and suspensions.
SAFA and Mokoena have until 20 September to respond to the charges.
Bafana Bafana will play the remaining two matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month.
