Sh*ckwaves In African Football As FIFA Investigates South Africa’s Mokoena Case

According to Ireporter Online, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that FIFA has officially opened an investigation into the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena during Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.

SAFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Lydia Monyepao, disclosed that FIFA formally reached out to the association this week, questioning how Mokoena was allowed to feature in the match despite being suspended. The midfielder had already accumulated two yellow cards prior to the fixture, which by regulation made him ineligible.

“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation into the Lesotho match in which Teboho Mokoena was fielded. That letter arrived yesterday,” Monyepao confirmed, adding that SAFA is preparing its official response to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.

If FIFA rules against South Africa, the 2-0 victory over Lesotho could be overturned into a 3-0 defeat, a decision that could significantly alter the qualification race in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa currently lead the group with 17 points, followed by Benin Republic with 14 points. Nigeria remain in contention on 11 points with two matches left to play. Both Benin and Nigeria are closely monitoring the case, as a ruling against Bafana Bafana could reshape the group standings and open the door for rivals to narrow the gap.