SA Appeals FIFA 3-Pt Deduction in WCQ

SA Appeals FIFA 3-Pt Deduction

In the high-stakes world of international football, where every point can determine dreams of World Cup victory, South Africa finds itself in a fierce fight not just on the field but in the appeals chamber. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced its plan to contest FIFA's recent 3-point deduction in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, caused by the use of an ineligible player in a key match. This administrative mistake has thrown Group C into chaos, testing the resilience of Bafana Bafana as they pursue a spot in the expanded tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The controversy focuses on midfielder Teboho Mokoena, a 28-year-old star from Mamelodi Sundowns, who played in South Africa's 2-0 victory over Lesotho on March 21, 2025, in Polokwane. FIFA ruled that Mokoena was ineligible because of a suspension from accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers, violating Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup regulations. As a result, the match was forfeited, giving Lesotho a 3-0 win, deducting three points from South Africa, and fining SAFA 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500), along with a formal warning to Mokoena.

SAFA's response has been quick and firm. President Dr. Danny Jordaan expressed "deep disappointment" over what he called an "unprecedented" ruling by a single-member panel, issued without prior opportunity for legal arguments or detailed explanations. The association has asked for written reasons from FIFA and plans to submit a formal appeal to the FIFA Appeals Committee within the 10-day period. Jordaan apologized for the "administrative oversight" but urged focus on the team's performance, highlighting unity despite the setback.

The implications are significant. Before the sanction, Bafana Bafana topped Group C with 17 points from eight matches. Now, they are tied on 14 points with Benin but are behind on goal difference, dropping to second place. This opens the door for rivals like Nigeria's Super Eagles (11 points) and Rwanda (10 points), rekindling hopes across the group where only the top team gets automatic qualification. With the final fixtures approaching—against Zimbabwe on October 10 in Durban and Rwanda on October 14 at Mbombela Stadium—coach Hugo Broos' team must secure maximum points to take control of their fate.

This episode underscores the razor-thin margins in World Cup qualifying and the importance of precise administration. As SAFA seeks a reversal, fans worldwide watch closely, hoping for a fair resolution that keeps the focus on the beautiful game. For South Africa, it's not just about points—it's about proving their resilience and securing a return to the global stage since hosting in 2010.