FIFA Sanction Threat Looms Over South Africa as Nigeria Eyes Group C Comeback
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – June 13, 2025 | IDNN African Football Desk
South Africa’s dream of topping Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers may face a dramatic twist as FIFA considers a three-point deduction over the use of an ineligible player — a situation that could throw open the group and reignite Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Sanction Threat Over Teboho Mokoena
At the heart of the brewing controversy is Teboho Mokoena, who featured for South Africa during their 2-0 win against Lesotho in March. According to reports, the midfielder should have been suspended, and his involvement violates FIFA’s player eligibility rules.
FIFA’s disciplinary procedures suggest such a breach, if confirmed, could result in South Africa being stripped of that win, awarding Lesotho the victory and three points.
What It Means for Group C
The implications are seismic. South Africa currently leads Group C with 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin Republic trail on 8, and Nigeria sits fourth with 7 points. If FIFA deducts three points from South Africa, the table narrows — just two points would then separate the top four teams.
This reshuffle would make South Africa’s final two fixtures — especially their clash with Nigeria on September 8 in Pretoria — a potential group decider.
Broos Plays Down Controversy, Focuses on Squad Depth
Despite the looming sanction, South African head coach Hugo Broos remains unfazed.
Rather than dwell on administrative uncertainties, Broos used the recent international window to test new players, with matches against Tanzania (0-0 draw) and a 2-0 win over Mozambique offering glimpses of a rejuvenated squad.
“This is something that will make my job very difficult in the next few months,” Broos said, citing competition among over 40 potential squad members as a positive dilemma.
He emphasized the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns players, many of whom are preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup, as an opportunity for fringe stars to step up.
FIFA History Suggests Precedent
Nigeria fans will remember a similar scenario during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles were docked three points for fielding Shehu Abdullahi despite a suspension. Algeria were retroactively awarded a 3-0 win — despite not protesting — because FIFA acts independently of formal complaints.
That history gives the current situation even more weight. Even though Lesotho failed to file a protest within the 24-hour window, FIFA’s autonomous disciplinary action could still be triggered.
Next Stop: Showdown in September
South Africa will resume their campaign in September, with fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria likely to determine Group C’s outcome — especially if FIFA’s ruling alters the points tally.
For now, the Super Eagles must prepare for all possibilities — both on and off the pitch.