South Africa’s football body has vowed to appeal FIFA’s ruling that docked Bafana Bafana three points.
The sanction, over an ineligible player, boosts Nigeria and reshapes the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced plans to challenge FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from Bafana Bafana and impose a fine for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that South Africa would lose the points after Mokoena, who should have been suspended for accumulated yellow cards, featured in the match. Bafana had won the game 2-0, but FIFA overturned the result, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.
The ruling means South Africa’s lead in Group C has been reduced. Their six-point advantage over Nigeria is now three, while the Benin Republic climbs to the top spot on goal difference.
Reacting to the decision, SAFA said: “We are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome, noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the association an opportunity to present legal arguments. The association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period.”
With the appeal process underway, Bafana must still secure wins in their final two fixtures against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in October to keep qualification hopes alive. Benin, who appear to benefit most from the ruling, will play Rwanda before facing Nigeria, while the Super Eagles also take on Zimbabwe in their penultimate game.
