FIFA Sanctions Leave Bafana Bafana Docked Three Points in World Cup Qualifiers

FIFA has handed South African Football Association (SAFA) a severe punishment following the Teboho Mokoena eligibility controversy, leaving Bafana Bafana with the heaviest sanction in the latest round of disciplinary cases.

Bafana Bafana will enter the final two matches of their 2026 World Cup qualifying Group C campaign minus three points. The team breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

The sanctions include a three-point deduction, a CHF 10 000 fine (approximately R215 000), and a warning for Mokoena himself. This decision places Bafana second in Group C behind Benin, who now lead on goal difference after being awarded a 3-0 victory for the match originally played against South Africa.

The controversy stems from Mokoena being fielded against Lesotho in March despite being ineligible. He had accumulated two yellow cards during the same qualifying campaign—one against Benin in November 2023 and another seven months later against Zimbabwe—meaning he should have been suspended for the Lesotho match, which Bafana initially won 2-0.

The FIFA Disciplinary Overview, covering 74 recent World Cup qualifying cases, lists Mokoena and SAFA at the top. Bafana Bafana is the only team to face a points deduction in this round of sanctions.

FIFA emphasized that each decision is based on the specific circumstances of the case and may be subject to appeal. The official document states:

“The FIFA Judicial Bodies take decisions based on the specific circumstances of each case. Some decisions may be subject to appeal. This document is provided as information for the media. Only the decision as communicated to the concerned parties shall be deemed a valid legal document. Last updated: 7 October 2025.”

The points forfeiture remains open to potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee, but the immediate impact is clear: Bafana Bafana now face increased pressure in their final qualifying matches.

South Africa will travel to Zimbabwe for their away fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday before hosting Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday. With qualification on the line, the team must navigate these challenges carefully while attempting to regain lost ground in Group C.