South Africa’s Bafana Bafana risk FIFA sanctions after fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, Soccernet.ng reports.
Earlier in the qualifying series, the Mamelodi Sundowns player received two yellow cards, which normally meant he should have served a suspension by sitting out the next game against Lesotho, but he was still fielded.
Lesotho immediately filed a protest, demanding South Africa be docked three points and the result overturned to a 3-0 defeat.
Nearly six months later, FIFA has yet to make a final ruling, which has left the group in suspense ahead of a decisive clash between Nigeria and Bafana Bafana.
However, former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh has offered a detailed breakdown of the disciplinary process and why penalties—though standard—might not be imposed.
Standard FIFA rule
According to FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, a player who receives two yellow cards across different matches is automatically suspended for the following game. By fielding Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho, South Africa appeared to breach this regulation.
Oliseh explained:
“The Football Association is responsible for ensuring that only eligible players are fielded. If a team fields an ineligible player and the valid protest is upheld, standard penalties include the forfeiture of the match. The result is typically overturned to a 3-0 defeat for the offending team regardless of the actual score.”
This means South Africa would not only lose three points but also see their goal difference adjusted from +2 to -3, handing Lesotho the victory.
Why the delay?
Many fans, especially Nigerians, have wondered why FIFA has not already sanctioned Bafana Bafana. Oliseh, speaking further via his podcast, revealed that such processes take time.
“It is simply because the process can take weeks to months, as FIFA may request additional information from the associations involved.”
The disciplinary committee must review official reports, yellow card records, and team sheets. If Lesotho’s protest was filed within the two-hour post-match window and confirmed with supporting evidence within 24–48 hours, then FIFA is obliged to investigate.
Could penalties be waived for Bafana Bafana?
Here’s where the matter becomes complex. While forfeiture is the standard punishment, FIFA’s judicial bodies have discretion. Oliseh noted:
“If no valid protest was filed or if FIFA determines extenuating factors—for example, administrative errors without intent—penalties could be mitigated or waived, though this is rare.”
This leaves open the possibility that South Africa may escape with only a fine, especially if the disciplinary committee views Mokoena’s absence from the following match against Benin as having already fulfilled his suspension.
Teboho Mokoena Yellow card saga: Rwanda coach on “african politics”
Not everyone is willing to weigh in. Rwanda’s head coach Adel Amrouche, himself no stranger to CAF sanctions, refused to comment directly on the saga:
“This is Africa, you know the politics, I don’t want to say anything so they don’t ban me again.”
SAFA’s accountability in question
Beyond FIFA’s decision, critics argue the case is a glaring example of negligence within the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Journalist Clyde Tlou voiced his frustration to Soccernet.ng:
“How could someone in an administrative role overlook such a critical aspect of football? If the team fails to qualify, the responsibility must fall squarely on Vincent Tseka—he must be held accountable. This isn’t the first time such negligence has occurred. Back in 2022, Hugo Broos revealed that his squad couldn’t train because SAFA failed to book the Dobsonville Stadium. These kinds of failures are unacceptable.”
Super Eagles’ next match: win first, worry later
The temptation is to pin Nigeria’s qualification hopes on FIFA’s ruling. But Oliseh urged focus on results on the pitch.
“Any points deduction sanction is useless to us as Nigeria if we do not beat South Africa on Tuesday. Let’s focus first on winning, and if possible, winning well as goal differences will count eventually.” he added.
With three games left to decide their 2026 World Cup fate, the Super Eagles cannot afford to rely on boardroom decisions.
FIFA’s judgment on Teboho Mokoena’s yellow card: What next?
FIFA’s disciplinary committee continues to review the case. If Lesotho’s protest is upheld, South Africa will forfeit the match, lose three points, and suffer a damaging swing in goal difference.
If FIFA finds mitigating factors—or if Lesotho’s protest was filed improperly—penalties could be waived or reduced to a fine.
Until then, Group C hangs in suspense. For Nigeria, the message is clear: control what you can on the pitch, and let FIFA’s lawyers sort out the rest.