FIFA clears South Africa despite ineligible player controversy
South Africa may have survived the hammer of world football’s governing body, FIFA, over the fielding of an ineligible player in one of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana appear to have been handed a significant boost in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign after FIFA opted not to sanction them for fielding Aaron Mokoena, deemed ineligible, during their Match Day 5 qualifier against Lesotho.
The ruling, confirmed just hours before South Africa’s high-stakes qualifier against Nigeria in Bloemfontein, means Bafana Bafana remain in contention to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA, in a post on X on Tuesday, clarified that should South Africa defeat Nigeria and Benin fail to beat Lesotho in their respective matches, Hugo Broos’ side will book their ticket to the global showpiece.
This decision comes as a relief for the South African Football Association (SAFA), as it effectively overlooks what would normally be a punishable offence under FIFA regulations.
In similar past instances, teams fielding ineligible players have faced penalties including match forfeitures, points deductions, and financial fines.
