Maseru – Lesotho has been handed a major boost in its FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifying campaign after the world football governing body ruled in its favour against South Africa.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced on Monday that the South African Football Association (SAFA) breached regulations when it fielded Teboho Mokoena, an ineligible player, in the South Africa v. Lesotho preliminary match played on 21 March 2025.
In its findings, FIFA confirmed that South Africa’s actions violated article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 14 of the World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
As a result, the match has been declared forfeited. Lesotho has been awarded a 3-0 victory on paper, overturning the original result.
In addition to the forfeiture, SAFA was fined CHF 10,000 (about M210,000), while Mokoena himself received a formal warning.
FIFA underlined that the decision is immediately effective, although South Africa retains the right to appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee within ten days.
For Lesotho, the decision significantly strengthens its position in the qualifying campaign, injecting renewed hope in the team’s World Cup dream.
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