South Africa Faces World Cup Setback as FIFA Deducts Points for Ineligible Player Usage
FIFA Penalizes South Africa by Deducting Points for Ineligible Player Incident
South Africa’s World Cup Qualifying Setback Explained
FIFA has bestowed a significant penalty upon South Africa by deducting three points from their standings and annulling their World Cup qualifying victory over Lesotho. This decision follows an investigation that uncovered the use of an ineligible player during their March 25 fixture.
Mokoena’s Ineligibility: A Costly Oversight
The player at the center of FIFA’s scrutiny is midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Despite having two yellow cards from previous qualifying games—against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024—Mokoena played in the match against Lesotho. Instead of serving the mandatory suspension, he participated for 82 minutes in the 2-0 win at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Implications for South Africa in CAF Group C
This ruling affects South Africa’s position in CAF Group C, propelling Benin to the top spot due to goal difference. For now, South Africa settles into second place, pending an appeal which must be filed within ten days.
| Team | Matches Played | Win | Draw | Loss | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benin | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 14 |
| South Africa | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 14 |
| Nigeria | 8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 11 |
| Rwanda | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 11 |
FIFA’s Disciplinary Code and Penalties
FIFA’s disciplinary code is explicit: any team fielding an ineligible player automatically forfeits the match, resulting in a 3-0 loss unless the actual result was worse for the offending team. In addition to the annulled result, the South African Football Association (SAFA) must pay a fine of CHF 10,000. Moreover, Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, received a warning.
Reactions and Next Steps for South Africa and Competitors
Head coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged the misstep, admitting responsibility but pointing out the absence of a formal complaint. Meanwhile, Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr has advocated for a swift resolution by FIFA. The decision also presents potential advantages for Nigeria, currently in third place, as they face Benin on October 14 in Nigeria. Upcoming fixtures are crucial for all involved, with South Africa meeting Zimbabwe on October 10 and Rwanda on October 14. On the other hand, Benin meets Rwanda on October 10 before facing Nigeria, while Nigeria will also compete against Lesotho on October 10.
