South Africa Face Possible Points Deduction Over Ineligible Player In World Cup Qualifiers

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

South Africa’s hopes of securing an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be in jeopardy after it emerged that they fielded an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho last Friday.

The Group C leaders risk losing three crucial points after midfielder Teboho Mokoena was named in the starting lineup despite having accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers.

Mokoena had received his first booking in November 2023 during South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin and picked up another caution in June 2024 against Zimbabwe.

Under FIFA rules, any player who collects two yellow cards in separate matches is automatically suspended for the next fixture.

However, Mokoena played 82 minutes against Lesotho before being substituted, putting South Africa in violation of these regulations.

While the situation presents an opportunity for Nigeria and Lesotho to challenge the result, FIFA’s strict protest guidelines could complicate the matter.

According to the governing body’s regulations, any complaints regarding player eligibility must be submitted in writing to the FIFA Match Commissioner within two hours of the match and followed up with a formal report to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee within 24 hours.

Failure to meet this deadline would result in the protest being dismissed.

Should the protest be upheld, Lesotho, currently fifth in the group with five points, would be awarded three additional points, moving them to eight.

This could significantly impact Nigeria’s qualification chances, as the Super Eagles sit in fourth place with six points, trailing South Africa, who lead with 10 points.

The final group standings remain uncertain as teams prepare for Tuesday’s crucial fixtures, with South Africa set to face Benin in Abidjan.