South Africa not off the hook over Mokoena - FIFA

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...Small World Cup finals window opens for Nigeria
By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 
South Africa's hope of playing in the 2026 World Cup finals may be hit by world football governing body FIBA for using a player who was suspended.

Bafana Bafana made a mistake by playing Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March’s World Cup qualifier 

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had been cautioned twice in the initial rounds, meaning he was not eligible to play against the Crocodiles.

"FIFA have officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena," the National Broadcaster SABC reported.
"In a letter to SAFA dated 15 September 2025; FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player. 

"The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response," they added.

If found guilty, South Africa will be deducted 3 points and 3 goals and this means that they will be slightly ahead of Benin Republic on goals difference with the number of points 14 with two games to go.

Nigeria will be third on 11 points just as Rwanda.

Nigeria will be a guest of Lesotho on MatchDay 9 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and they host Benin Republic on the final day of the campaign.
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