BREAKING: Relief for Nigeria, Benin as FIFA sanctions South Africa for fielding ineligible player

FIFA has sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho played on 21 March 2025.

Although Bafana Bafana won the match on the pitch, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Monday ruled that South Africa forfeited the game, awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho.

As part of the sanctions, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has also been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena was handed a warning.

The ruling reduces South Africa’s points in Group C from 17 to 14, placing them level with Benin, who remain in second place, while Nigeria sits third with 11 points.

With two matches still to be played in the qualifiers, the decision provides a significant boost to the World Cup qualification hopes of both Nigeria and Benin.