SAFA reveals next course of action after Bafana Bafana points deduction

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has reacted to a ruling from FIFA which delivered a blow to Bafana Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa’s worst fears were confirmed on Monday when FIFA delivered a ruling that saw Bafana Bafana lose three points for fielding Teboho Mokoena when he was ineligible to play against Lesotho in March.

Bafana Bafana made an administrative error that saw Mokoena, who was suspended for the World Cup qualifier feature, and after a long wait and complaints from rivals Lesotho and Nigeria, FIFA finally opened proceedings into the matter this month and have not delayed in delivering a ruling.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for having fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v. Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ preliminary competition, thereby breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 M Preliminary Competition Regulations,” FIFA stated via a statement.

Why will SAFA appeal FIFA ruling on Bafana Bafana?

“Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited by the representative team of South Africa by a score of 3-0. SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.”

However, SAFA have reacted with disappointment, claiming the ruling was delivered by a single-member panel and will therefore appeal.

“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments,” said SAFA through a statement.

“The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.”

Football association issues apology for South Africans

SAFA says it is committed to ensuring Bafana Bafana finish their remaining qualifiers strongly and make it to the World Cup while issuing an apology to South Africans over the embarrassing issue.

“Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead,” the statement added.

“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”

Following the ruling, Bafana Bafana have slipped from first to second in Group C with 14 points, same as Benin, who have a superior goal difference, having enjoyed a three-point advantage over the Squirrels ahead of their final qualification matches away to Zimbabwe and at home to Rwanda next month.