FIFA has declared South Africa’s World Cup qualifying match a forfeit loss after the national team included an ineligible player in their March game against Lesotho.
The match, which took place on March 21 in Polokwane, originally concluded with a 2-0 win for South Africa. However, on Monday, September 29, the global football authority announced that the result has been changed to a 3-0 win for Lesotho.
The disciplinary committee determined that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play, having accumulated yellow cards in prior matches against Benin and Zimbabwe. By allowing him to participate, South Africa violated Article 19 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.
The South African Football Association has also been penalized with a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately $12,500). It retains the option to appeal the decision to FIFA’s Appeals Committee.
This ruling has significantly shaken up Group C of African World Cup qualifying, causing South Africa to fall from first place to second, trailing Benin on goal difference.
Only the group leaders are guaranteed a spot in next year’s tournament in north and central America. The decision also boosts the prospects of Nigeria and Rwanda qualifying for the finals, as both teams are now three points behind Benin and South Africa.
Benin will face Rwanda and Nigeria in the final two rounds of qualifiers between October 10 and 14, while South Africa will play an away match against Zimbabwe before hosting Rwanda.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
