SAFA confirm FIFA contact about Mokoena saga but ‘we aren’t worried about docking points’

World Football Governing Body FIFA opened an inquest into Teboho Mokoena's yellow card issue against Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

The 28-year-old played against the Crocodiles in March despite being suspended after accumulating two cautions in previous engagements, a match South Africa won 2-0. Nigeria, Lesotho, and Benin have been pushing for disciplinary action to be taken against Mzansi, and it seems that is what is going to happen.

“FIFA have officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena,” SABC reported on Thursday. 

“In a letter to SAFA dated 15 September 2025, 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,” they concluded.

SAFA confirm receipt of letter from FIFA

SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao has confirmed the recent development, but insisted the main focus is on Bafana Bafana to win the remaining two games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, respectively.

“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded in. We received it [on Wednesday]. So we’re preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which is ultimately required of us as an association,” she told the media.

“Look, we’re not really worried about that, I think our focus right now is to ensure Bafana Bafana gets maximum points, come October, because whatever happens, whether there is docking of points or whatever, if we get six points come October, nothing else matters.

“It’s all about Bafana Bafana getting to the USA, Mexico, and Canada [in the FIFA World Cup] in 2026,” Monyepao concluded.