The South African Football Association (SAFA) has issued a statement to acknowledge their fault in the fielding of an ineligible player that has cost Bafana Bafana three points in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that they have docked three points from Bafana Bafana after midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded in the 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, despite being suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.
Bafana Bafana have dropped to second position in Group C, with two matches remaining.
“Despite the outcome, the Association emphasizes its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign,” reads SAFA’s statement.
“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 apologize to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”
Despite acknowledging its fault, SAFA plans to appeal FIFA’s decision.
“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, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has vowed to get to the bottom of this saga. Not only did Bafana Bafana forfeit the match, but SAFA was also fined R216 000.
“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction,” stated the department.
“We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences.”
In their remaining two matches, Bafana Bafana will play Zimbabwe and Rwanda on 10 and 14 October, respectively.
