Boost for Nigeria! Bafana Bafana in trouble as FIFA take first step in Mokoena’s yellow card saga – report

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana risk FIFA sanctions after fielding Teboho Mokoena in their 3-0 victory against Lesotho…

FIFA has reportedly opened disciplinary proceedings into South Africa’s decision to field Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho despite the midfielder’s suspension, Soccernet.ng reports.

If investigated thoroughly, it could have serious consequences for Bafana Bafana, and potentially boost Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying hopes to an extent.

According to multiple reports, including SABC Sport, FIFA has confirmed that both Mokoena and the South African Football Association (SAFA) face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations relating to the use of an ineligible player.

The case has now been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and the player given six days to submit their response.

Teboho Mokoena's yellow card controversy

The controversy stems from Mokoena’s bookings earlier in the qualifying series. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder received two yellow cards in separate matches, which under FIFA rules should have triggered an automatic suspension.

However, he was fielded in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho, and a protest was lodged demanding the result be overturned to a 3-0 defeat in their favour.

If Lesotho’s protest is upheld, South Africa would lose three points and see their goal difference swing dramatically — from +2 to -3.

That would hand Lesotho the win and potentially alter the balance in Group C, where Nigeria and South Africa are battling for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Oliseh on Why FIFA’s ruling has been delayed

Although the match in question was played nearly six months ago, FIFA has yet to issue a final ruling. Former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh explained the delay, noting that such disciplinary cases are often lengthy.

“The process can take weeks to months, as FIFA may request additional information from the associations involved,” Oliseh said on his podcast.

He stressed that the disciplinary committee must review yellow card records, team sheets, and ensure Lesotho’s protest was filed within the proper window—typically two hours after the match, with full documentation within 24–48 hours.

Possible sanctions—or escape for Bafana Bafana?

Under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, fielding an ineligible player usually results in the forfeiture of the match, with the score overturned to 3-0 regardless of the actual result.

However, former Borussia Dortmund star, Oliseh, cautioned that FIFA’s judicial bodies retain discretion.

“If no valid protest was filed, or if FIFA determines extenuating factors — such as an administrative error without intent — penalties could be mitigated or waived, though this is rare,” he explained.

This means Bafana Bafana could still escape with only a fine, especially since Mokoena missed South Africa’s next game against Benin, which some might argue fulfilled the suspension retroactively.

Is SAFA under fire?

Beyond FIFA’s decision, critics have blasted the South African Football Association for negligence. Journalist Clyde Tlou told Soccernet.ng:

“How could someone in an administrative role overlook such a critical aspect of football? If the team fails to qualify, the responsibility must fall squarely on Vincent Tseka — he must be held accountable.”

This is not the first time SAFA’s competence has been questioned, with Hugo Broos previously revealing that the team once missed training because officials failed to book a stadium.

Nigeria urged to focus on the pitch

While Nigerian fans may see this as a potential boost for the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes, Oliseh has urged caution.

“Any points deduction sanction is useless to us as Nigeria if we do not beat South Africa on Tuesday,” he said. “Let’s focus first on winning, and if possible, winning well, as goal difference will count eventually.”

With two games left to decide their 2026 World Cup fate, Nigeria cannot afford to rely on boardroom rulings alone.

 

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FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee will now determine whether Bafana Bafana’s victory over Lesotho stands or is overturned. Until then, Group C remains delicately poised.