World Cup Qualifiers: Why CAF President Can’t Stop FIFA From Deducting 3 Points From South Africa
- South Africa risk losing three points for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho
- Rumours have linked CAF president Patrice Motsepe to FIFA’s delay in sanctioning Bafana Bafana
- Nigeria could benefit significantly from the deduction, boosting its 2026 World Cup qualification hopes
The Super Eagles may have received a glimmer of hope in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as South Africa risk losing three crucial points for fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena had already accumulated two yellow cards in the qualifiers, making him ineligible to play.
Source: Getty Images
According to Channels TV, FIFA’s disciplinary code clearly states that a player must serve a suspension after receiving two bookings.
If FIFA enforces this rule, Bafana Bafana could face a points and goals deduction, potentially altering the qualification race in Nigeria’s favour.
The case against South Africa
Mokoena first received a yellow card in South Africa’s 2-1 win against Benin Republic in November 2023 and picked up another in the victory over Zimbabwe in June 2024.
Despite these cautions, the midfielder was used in the clash against Lesotho, which contravenes Section 67 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
As it stands, South Africa leads Group C with 13 points from six matches, four points clear of Nigeria, per FIFA.com.
However, if FIFA rules against them and deducts three points and three goals, the Super Eagles will find themselves with a better chance of overtaking Bafana Bafana in the next round of games.
This case is currently under review, but the delay in FIFA’s ruling has sparked frustration among Nigerian football supporters.
Why CAF cannot interfere
Recent rumours circulating online suggested that CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, who is South African, might be influencing proceedings to delay or even prevent FIFA from sanctioning his home country.
Source: Getty Images
However, football authorities have debunked these claims, clarifying that CAF has no jurisdiction over FIFA-organised tournaments.
A senior official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a chat with OwnGoal Nigeria, dismissed the speculation, calling it laughable.
“It’s the funniest thing I have seen on the internet since morning. How is that even possible? It’s a FIFA tournament so CAF can’t influence anything.”
The official further added that the real issue lies with FIFA’s slow response.
“Since the charge to South Africa two months ago, FIFA hasn’t provided a ruling and it’s sad. You can understand the frustration from a section of the Nigerian camp because we need clarity going into the next round of games in September. The sooner, the better.”
Nigeria’s qualification hopes boosted
For Nigeria, the outcome of this disciplinary case could play a decisive role in their World Cup qualification journey, with Eric Chelle just releasing a strong 31-man squad for the next round of matches in September.
With just four rounds of matches left in the qualifiers, clarity is crucial. Should South Africa lose the points, the Super Eagles would be back in strong contention to secure automatic qualification.
NFF break silence on points deduction
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the NFF has responded to growing public calls for sanctions against South Africa following allegations that they fielded an ineligible player during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Reacting to the development, the NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, confirmed that the federation has not yet received any official correspondence from FIFA regarding the matter.
Source: Legit.ng
