Controversy Brews Over Ineligible Player in South Africa vs. Lesotho 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
In the aftermath of a controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Lesotho and South Africa, Lesotho’s football officials have raised serious concerns over South Africa’s use of an ineligible player. The dispute revolves around Teboho Mokoena, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, who played in the match despite being suspended due to accumulated yellow cards from previous qualifiers. This oversight, which went unnoticed by the South African Football Association (SAFA), could now have significant repercussions for the match result.
Held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, the game ended with a 2-0 victory for South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. However, because Mokoena was serving a suspension, the Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has officially lodged a complaint, claiming that the match should be forfeited and the points awarded to Lesotho.
LFA Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi emphasized that the complaint was filed not out of malice but in the interest of fair play and adherence to established regulations. Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Mohapi stated, “We are hoping for them to respect their own regulations and act appropriately. Even if they just caution South Africa, it will be okay. If they give us the points, so be it. [It would be] the cherry on top.”
Mohapi further pointed out that had the situation been reversed, with Lesotho defeating South Africa under similar circumstances, South Africa would likely have raised a complaint as well. “If it were us who had defeated South Africa, wouldn’t they do the same?” he asked.
The LFA’s decision to bring this issue to light highlights the importance of strict adherence to FIFA regulations, especially when such oversights can create unintended competitive advantages. As of now, South Africa’s football authorities have not responded formally to the complaint, but the situation is under close scrutiny as both nations continue their campaigns in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The outcome of this dispute could set an important precedent for the fair enforcement of player eligibility rules in future international competitions.
