South Africa docked points and fined by FIFA.
In a significant disciplinary ruling, FIFA has penalized the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their World Cup 2026 preliminary match against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
According to FIFA, South Africa’s actions breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the preliminary competition regulations. As a result, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has awarded a 3-0 forfeit victory to Lesotho, nullifying the original result.
In addition to forfeiting the match, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000 by FIFA. Mokoena himself received a formal warning for his involvement.
South Africa docked points by FIFA
he disciplinary decision was communicated to all involved parties today. The Forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA appeal committee in the next ten days.
Oluwajimi Peace
