Minister: Bafana Bafana sanction brought South Africa into disrepute

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has vowed to investigate the administrative failure that led to FIFA deducting three points from Bafana Bafana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and fining the South African Football Association (Safa) around R215,000.

The sanction follows FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruling that South Africa fielded an ineligible player, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Lesotho in March.

Mokoena had previously received yellow cards in matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, making him ineligible for the clash against Lesotho.

Despite South Africa’s victory on the pitch, FIFA’s decision overturned the result, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 forfeit win.

The FIFA ruling has major implications for South Africa’s World Cup campaign. Bafana Bafana, previously top of Group C with 17 points, now sit on 14 points — level with Benin — while Nigeria trails on 11.

Only the group winner secures direct qualification for the 2026 tournament, making the remaining matches decisive.

DSAC Minister Gayton McKenzie said in a statement on 29 September that “this development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football.”

“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it.”

Despite the setback, McKenzie stressed the importance of rallying behind the team ahead of the final two qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in Durban and Mbombela.

“Bafana Bafana have played with immense heart and determination to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup next year, and they deserve our unwavering support,” he said.

“This deduction is but a bump in the road, and we believe that we remain firmly on track for qualification; our belief in the team’s ability to succeed is unshaken.”

The minister confirmed that DSAC will compile a report to shed light on how the administrative lapse occurred and prevent similar mistakes in the future.

McKenzie also called on South Africans to unite behind the national team. “For now, we urge all South Africans to unite in support of Bafana Bafana. Let us get behind our boys in these critical games.”

“Together, we can and must carry them on our shoulders to the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026, and this moment must show the world that South Africans come together in moments of crisis.”

“We must be the 12th man on the field for them in the last two games.”

SAFA to appeal decision

The South African Football Association (SAFA) apologised to South Africans for the lack of administrative oversight. However, it said that it was “deeply disappointed” with FIFA’s decision.

“The unprecedented decision was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments,” it said in a statement.

It added that it has requested written reasons for the judgement and intends to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee.

“Despite the outcome, the Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign,” SAFA said.

“We call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”