Safa 'disappointed' as Bafana docked points in World Cup race

SOUTH Africa's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup have been thrown into uncertainty after Fifa handed Bafana Bafana a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in their March qualifier against Lesotho.

- SMISO MSOMI

The world governing body confirmed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should not have featured in the match played in March earlier this year against Dikwena.

The breach of Article 19 of the Fifa disciplinary code and Article 14 of the preliminary competition regulations has now been punished with a forfeiture. As a result, the game originally won by Bafana 2-0 has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Lesotho.

In addition, Safa have been fined around R215 000, while Mokoena received a warning.

Safa expressed deep disappointment with the ruling on Monday, in a statement, noting that the sanction was issued by a single-member panel without reasons and without an opportunity to present legal arguments.

The association has requested written reasons for the judgment and plans to lodge a formal appeal with the Fifa Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period.