FIFA’s hammer finally falls on South Africa for fielding ineligible player in World Cup qualifier

Maureen Aguta

South Africa have forfeited a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, world football governing body FIFA announced on Monday.

THE STORY

South Africa’s 2-0 victory on March 21 in Polokwane has been replaced with a 3-0 defeat meaning they drop to second place in Group C of the African Zone qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth.

South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body’s disciplinary committee said.

The South African FA, which can still appeal the decision to the FIFA Appeals Committee, must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536).