2026 WCQ: Hope for Super Eagles as South Africa Faces Possible Sanction For Fielding Ineligible Player

• Lesotho Challenges South Africa: The Lesotho Football Association has reported South Africa to FIFA for using an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.
• Violation of FIFA Rules: Lesotho claims Mokoena should have been suspended due to two previous yellow cards and is demanding that South Africa lose the three points from their 2-0 victory.
• Possible Penalty: If FIFA agrees with Lesotho, South Africa could forfeit the match, and Lesotho would be awarded a 3-0 win.

 

The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has sent a letter to FIFA, complaining that South Africa used an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 2026 World Cup qualifying match last Friday.

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Lesotho claims Mokoena should not have played because he had already received two yellow cards in previous matches—one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in November 2024. According to FIFA rules, any player who gets two yellow cards in different games must miss the next match.

Despite this, South Africa allowed Mokoena to play in their 2-0 win over Lesotho. The LFA argues that South Africa should lose the three points from the victory.

Mokhosi Mohapi, the LFA’s secretary-general, confirmed they had sent a formal complaint to both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

 

“If a rule was broken, we have the right to protest and claim the points,” Mohapi said. He also mentioned that Nigeria might file a similar protest because the result affects other teams in the group.

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If FIFA rules in Lesotho’s favor, South Africa could lose the three points, and Lesotho would be awardeda 3-0 win.

 

 

 

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