SAFA Apologises, Launches Appeal After FIFA Ruling on Mokoena Ban

SAFA Apologises, Launches Appeal After FIFA Ruling on Mokoena Ban

By BSN Sports 

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has condemned the administrative lapse that led to Bafana Bafana’s sanction by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a critical World Cup qualifier earlier this year. 

McKenzie pledged accountability and announced a full investigation into the incident, which has cost South Africa valuable points on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Monday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that South Africa forfeited its 2-0 win against Lesotho, citing Mokoena’s participation despite being under an automatic one-match suspension for accumulated yellow cards. The revised result is a 3-0 win awarded to Lesotho. In addition to the loss of points, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined CHF 10,000 (approximately R216,000). Mokoena received an official warning.

‘Embarrassment to the Nation’: Minister McKenzie Promises Accountability

In a strongly worded statement, Minister McKenzie described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and “an embarrassment to our nation.” He confirmed that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will launch an internal investigation to identify the responsible parties and ensure such administrative oversights do not happen again.

 “We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it,” McKenzie said. “We thank FIFA for their swift decision, which spared us prolonged uncertainty.”

Despite the ruling, the Minister urged South Africans to rally behind the national team as it prepares for two decisive qualifiers in October.

“This deduction is but a bump in the road,” he added. “Our belief in Bafana Bafana’s ability to qualify remains unshaken.”

SAFA Criticises FIFA Process, Plans to Appeal

In its own response, SAFA voiced “deep disappointment” with what it described as an “unprecedented outcome.” The association criticised the process by which the ruling was reached specifically that it was handed down by a single-member panel without written reasons or the opportunity for SAFA to present legal arguments.

SAFA has requested the formal written judgment and confirmed its intention to appeal the decision to FIFA’s Appeals Committee within the stipulated 10-day period.

 “We acknowledge the error in fielding Teboho Mokoena during the qualifier against Lesotho,” SAFA said in an official statement. “However, we believe due process was not followed, and we intend to exercise our right to appeal.”

Despite the controversy, SAFA reiterated its commitment to supporting the national team’s World Cup qualification campaign, expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to finish strong.

 “We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight,” the statement added. “Our focus now is on Zimbabwe and Rwanda—securing maximum points in those fixtures is critical.”

What’s Next for Bafana Bafana

South Africa currently faces an uphill battle in Group C of the CAF qualifiers. The points deduction has disrupted the team's momentum, but all eyes are now on the final two matches of the campaign.

Bafana Bafana will host Zimbabwe on October 10, followed by a clash against Rwanda in Mbombela on October 14. Victories in both matches will be crucial to securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.