World Cup Qualifiers: Rohr Questions FIFA Silence on South Africa Controversy

World Cup Qualifiers: Rohr Questions FIFA Silence on South Africa Controversy

By Niyi Busari 

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has called on FIFA to enforce disciplinary action against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The controversy centers around South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who featured in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho. According to reports, the 28-year-old had accumulated two yellow cards — one against Benin and another against Zimbabwe — and should have been suspended for the Lesotho fixture.

Rohr, speaking in an interview with Reuters, expressed frustration over FIFA’s delay in issuing a ruling, with key qualification matches set to be played this week.

 “It is not normal that we don’t know the situation about the points on the log table before our games this week,” Rohr said.

“It is very, very strange. Normally, South Africa should lose three points, and those points should go to Lesotho. But nobody knows why FIFA has not taken this decision.”

South Africa currently top Group C with 13 points, five ahead of Rwanda and Benin, and six clear of Nigeria. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face South Africa in a pivotal encounter in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. Lesotho sit on six points, while Zimbabwe are at the bottom with four.

Should FIFA ultimately rule against South Africa, a three-point deduction could significantly alter the group standings and reshape the qualification landscape with only four rounds remaining.