The implications of South Africa losing three points if found guilty by FIFA

FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

This follows the fielding of Mokoena while he was under suspension in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which South Africa won 2–0 against Lesotho on 21 March in Polokwane.

The 28-year-old midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers — first against Benin in November 2023 and then against Zimbabwe in June 2024 — which, under FIFA rules, triggers a one-match suspension.

What Happens Next?

If found guilty, Bafana Bafana could be forced to forfeit the result of the match, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory on paper. Additional sanctions, such as fines or further suspensions, could also be imposed.

Should a forfeit be handed down by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, coach Hugo Broos’ side would find themselves level on points with Benin (14) after eight matches, but would remain top of the group due to a superior goal difference of +6, compared to The Cheetahs’ +4.

Lesotho, meanwhile, would see their points tally increase from six to nine, but they would still remain in fifth position, two points behind both third-placed Nigeria and fourth-placed Rwanda, who each sit on 11 points.

South Africa would then need to beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers in October — assuming Benin do not drop points against either The Wasps or the Super Eagles, who themselves must win both remaining fixtures and hope Bafana slip up in one or both of theirs.

SAFA has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.