The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stepped aside as world football’s governing body, FIFA, weighs a potential points deduction for South Africa over fielding an ineligible player in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
South Africa could lose three points and three goals from their 2-0 win over Lesotho after Teboho Mokoena featured in the match despite being suspended. The midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards in previous games, making him ineligible for the fixture under FIFA rules.
In past instances, FIFA has consistently punished such infractions with an automatic forfeiture—typically recorded as a 3-0 loss—when a team fields an ineligible player. Should this standard apply again, South Africa’s victory would be nullified, handing Lesotho the points and reviving Nigeria’s hopes in the qualification race.
CAF Distances Itself From the Case
Despite growing concerns from Nigerian football fans over potential interference by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, who is South African, CAF has made its position clear—it will not interfere.
“This is a FIFA matter, not a CAF one,” a source within CAF clarified during a WhatsApp group discussion. “Motsepe can only endorse whatever FIFA decides. The rules are clear, and FIFA has always applied them consistently. There’s no reason to expect anything different this time.”
A Twist in Nigeria’s Qualification Campaign
The possible sanctions against South Africa could dramatically reshape the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who have faced a tough qualifying run, currently trail South Africa but could move within three points if the deduction is enforced. With a crucial return leg still to come between both nations, the race could go down to the wire.
This controversy now adds a new layer of suspense to the African qualifiers. All eyes are on FIFA as the football world awaits a decision that could alter the destiny of two footballing giants on the road to 2026.
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds.
