2026 WCQ: South Africa risks losing three points for fielding ineligible players, says Nigerian lawyer

Posted : 04 April 2025

FIFA will award three points and three goals to Lesotho following South Africa's 2-0 win in their 2026 World Cup qualifier match after South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, a Nigerian lawyer, Jonas Michael, has claimed.

Recall that South African player Mokoena was supposed to serve a suspension after receiving two yellow cards in previous matches against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe. Yet, he played in the match in Polokwane.

As a result, South Africa should forfeit the three points from the game and also be penalized with the addition of three goals in favor of Lesotho.

Despite Lesotho initially filing a complaint with FIFA over the matter, rumors suggest that the complaint may have been withdrawn.

Nigerian football lawyer Jonas Michael shared a similar experience, recalling that Nigeria suffered the same penalty in 2018 after fielding an ineligible player, Shehu Abdullahi, in a dead-rubber World Cup qualifier against Algeria. FIFA awarded Algeria three points and three goals in accordance with the rules, even though Algeria did not file a protest.

Michael explained that the rules are clear, stating, “If you’re South African, just deduct three points from your team’s tally.

"I expect people from Lesotho to do the same. There’s no need for a protest or a specific time frame to lodge one. FIFA’s decision follows the established rules, and the punishment is clear.”

He also responded to claims in South Africa that technicalities might work in their favor, saying, “That’s not true. South Africa has lost those points, and they’ll be deducted three goals. A fine is likely to follow as well.”

This ruling has reshaped the group standings, leaving the race to qualify for the World Cup wide open. Zimbabwe, now at the bottom, is just four points behind South Africa, which remains at the top with four matches remaining.

Group C consists of Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana remains unbeaten in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking a strong return to international prominence and fueling ambitions to build on their recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance. Under the leadership of coach Hugo Broos, the national team is poised for a potential resurgence on the continental stage.

2026 WCQ: South Africa risks losing three points for fielding ineligible players, says Nigerian lawyer

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