South Africa To Face FIFA’s Disciplinary Actions For Fielding Mokoena

The world’s football governing body, FIFA, has officially opened disciplinary actions against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in March.

South African outlet, SABC Sport, reports that FIFA has levelled charges against the South African Football Association and Mokoena.

The report stated, “In a letter to SAFA dated September 15, 2025 – seen by the public broadcaster, FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.

“The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response.”

Bafana Bafana is facing charges after fielding Mokoena, who was ineligible to play in March’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

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, triggered a one-match ban.