South Africa not worried by FIFA investigation – SAFA chieftain

By Tosin Omojola –

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed receiving a query from FIFA regarding the use of an ineligible player during their Group C 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

SAFA Chief Executive Lydia Monyepao, who confirmed the development, said Bafana Bafana remain focused on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup despite FIFA launching an investigation into the fielding of midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was allegedly ineligible.

FIFA notified SAFA this week that it is reviewing South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March, after it emerged that Mokoena should have been suspended, having accumulated two yellow cards in previous qualifiers.

Speaking at a sponsorship event in Soweto, Monyepao acknowledged the investigation but insisted the association was “not really concerned” about a possible points deduction.

“We’ve received communication from FIFA about the investigation. We’re preparing our response to the disciplinary committee. We are not really worried about that. Our focus right now is to ensure that Bafana Bafana get maximum points come October,” she said.

South Africa face Zimbabwe on 6 October and Rwanda on 13 October in their final Group C fixtures, with victories in both matches potentially sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, fielding an ineligible player typically results in the forfeiture of the match, with the score overturned to 3–0 regardless of the actual result. Additional sanctions, such as fines or suspensions, may also be imposed.

If FIFA orders a forfeit, South Africa would be level on 14 points with Benin but would remain top of the group due to a superior goal difference.