After months of public outcry, FIFA, the world’s football governing body, has formally launched disciplinary proceedings against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March. According to South African outlet SABC Sport, FIFA has pressed charges against both the South African Football Association and Mokoena. “In a letter to SAFA dated September 15, 2025 – seen by the public broadcaster, FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player,” the report stated. “The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response.” Bafana Bafana are now facing disciplinary charges for fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to feature in the March 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. The 28-year-old midfielder had already picked up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers — first against Benin in November 2023 and later against Zimbabwe in June 2024 — a tally that, under FIFA rules, automatically triggered a one-match suspension. If found guilty, South Africa risk forfeiting the match, which would award Lesotho a 3–0 victory by default. Additional penalties such as fines or suspensions may also follow. Currently topping Group C with 17 points, Bafana Bafana could see their lead cut, as a points deduction would leave them tied with Benin Republic (14 points) and just three points clear of Nigeria, throwing the race for the group’s sole automatic qualification spot wide open with two matches left. Lesotho, on the other hand, would move from six to nine points but remain in fifth place, trailing Nigeria and Rwanda — both on 11 points — by two. South Africa are set to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their last two qualifiers in October, while Nigeria will battle Lesotho away and Benin Republic, hoping for slip-ups from Bafana Bafana. FIFA recently sanctioned Equatorial Guinea for a similar offence after Emilio Nsue was fielded despite being ineligible, a decision later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.