Mokoena Controversy: FIFA Investigates South Africa, Possible Point Deduction Looms

Nigeria and Benin reprieve as FIFA opens case against SA for fielding ineligible Mokoena

Nigeria and Benin have been handed a major boost in their World Cup qualification hopes after FIFA confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, according to GOAL.

The case centres around Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who featured for Bafana Bafana against Lesotho in March despite already having accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the campaign. According to FIFA rules, he should have been suspended, but South Africa fielded him regardless, sparking protests from rival nations.

Although Lesotho did not immediately lodge an official complaint, both Nigeria and Benin have since pressed FIFA to take action, arguing that docking points from South Africa is the only fair resolution. For months, there was silence from world football’s governing body, leading many South African fans to believe they were in the clear. However, a recent letter from FIFA to the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that disciplinary proceedings are underway.

“The player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player,” South Africa’s national broadcaster SABC reported. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has now given SAFA and Mokoena six days to respond.

The implications could be decisive. South Africa currently sit top of Group C with 17 points, but a three-point deduction would leave them on 14, level with Benin. Nigeria and Rwanda would then be just three points adrift with two matches remaining, keeping qualification hopes alive for all four nations.

While the situation leaves South African supporters anxiously awaiting FIFA’s verdict, Nigeria and Benin now have renewed belief in their chances of securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.