World Cup Qualifier Twist: Points Deduction Looms Over Group C Leaders
South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign faces fresh uncertainty as FIFA continues to deliberate on whether to punish Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign.
The controversy centres on midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who featured in a qualifier against Lesotho despite having accumulated two yellow cards and being due for suspension. South Africa have since admitted the error, while Lesotho formally lodged a protest.
According to FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, the standard sanction in such cases is a 3-0 forfeit defeat and a loss of three points. Similar rulings have been handed down in past qualifiers, strengthening the case that punishment is likely.
Why Timing Matters
FIFA has so far remained silent, but insiders suggest a ruling could be imminent — possibly after today’s Group C blockbuster between South Africa and Nigeria in Johannesburg.
The stakes could not be higher:
- South Africa currently lead the group.
- Nigeria, their fiercest rivals, are chasing hard in third place.
If South Africa lose today and then face a points deduction, their cushion at the top would all but vanish — a potential game-changer in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who Benefits?
- Nigeria stand to gain the most. A deduction, combined with a positive result tonight, could propel the Super Eagles level or even ahead in the standings.
- Benin and Rwanda would also benefit indirectly as South Africa’s lead narrows.
- Lesotho, who filed the protest, could be awarded the three points and a +3 goal difference from the disputed fixture.
What Next?
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has admitted, “We did something bad, something we shouldn’t do.” With no mitigating factors on the table, FIFA is under pressure to enforce its rules to protect the integrity of the competition.
Observers believe a deduction is more likely than not — with the only question being when FIFA will announce it. Should that announcement come after today’s clash, it could completely reshape Group C’s qualification picture.