- FIFA overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win against Lesotho into a 3-0 loss by default.
- Midfielder Teboho Mokoena played despite being suspended after two yellow cards.
- The ruling dropped South Africa from the top of their World Cup qualifying group.
- SAFA plans to appeal within 10 days and could escalate the case to CAS.
- Group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, runner-up heads to playoffs.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed it will appeal FIFA’s decision that stripped Bafana Bafana of their win over Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA ruled that the March 2-0 victory should be overturned after Teboho Mokoena featured despite being suspended for accumulating two yellow cards in earlier matches.
The sanction converted the result into a 3-0 loss by default, dropping South Africa off the top of their group with just two games remaining.
In a statement released on Monday night, SAFA admitted the error but criticised the ruling.
“As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome,” the statement read.
“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign.”
SAFA also claimed it was denied the opportunity to make legal arguments before the single FIFA judge who delivered the decision.
SAFA has requested the written reasons for the ruling and intends to file a formal appeal within 10 days.
If unsuccessful, the matter could be escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The appeals process will overlap with South Africa’s final group games against Zimbabwe on October 10 and Rwanda on October 14.
Following the ruling, Benin now tops the group on goal difference, tied on points with South Africa. Nigeria and Rwanda trail by three points, keeping the group wide open.
Only the group winner will secure an automatic spot at the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The runner-up will enter a four-team African playoff in November, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoffs in North America in March.
