The world football governing body, FIFA, has shockingly opened a formal disciplinary case against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and its star midfielder, Teboho Mokoena. The serious allegations stem from a recent World Cup qualifying match, plunging the nation’s campaign into immediate jeopardy.
The investigation centres on Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in a qualifying match held earlier this year. FIFA authorities are probing the decision to field Mokoena, who was reportedly serving an automatic one-match suspension at the time. The suspension was triggered after the Mamelodi Sundowns player received his second yellow card of the qualification tournament in a previous fixture.
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FIFA Investigates Bafana Bafana Player Teboho Mokoena And SAFA
A letter, purportedly sent from FIFA to SAFA and dated 15 September, has been cited by sources. It confirms that charges have been formally laid for a breach of the organisation’s strict disciplinary code. A high-ranking official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed the gravity of the situation, stating,
“The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, and both parties have been given six days to respond. This is a very serious matter that could have dire consequences.”
The stakes for the national team could not be higher. If found guilty, the standard sanction is a mandatory forfeit of the match in question. This would see the 2-0 victory overturned and converted into a 3-0 victory for Lesotho. Such a ruling would instantly wipe two critical points from South Africa’s tally, throwing their World Cup destiny into chaos.
A football analyst explained the ramifications, noting,
“This outcome would significantly impact the qualification standings. It would drop South Africa’s points, putting them level with Benin. The team would remain at the top of their group on goal difference, but their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup would become vastly more challenging.”
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The immense pressure is now on SAFA’s legal team to mount a robust defence against the charges.
A Nation Awaits SAFA’s Response
As of now, the football association has maintained a conspicuous silence, refusing to issue any public statement on the serious allegations. The entire country now watches and waits, hoping for a positive outcome that will keep their World Cup dreams alive.