Former SAFA Chief Blasts Mokoena As South Africa Set To Lose 3 Points in World Cup Qualifiers
- South Africa risks losing three points after fielding suspended Teboho Mokoena in 2-0 win over Lesotho
- Nigeria lodged an official complaint with FIFA, seeking enforcement of eligibility rules
- Former SAFA chief Raymond Hack has slammed both SAFA and Mokoena, warning the incident could bring the country into disrepute
South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign has been thrown into turmoil after it emerged that Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory against Lesotho in March.
Teboho Mokoena, who was supposed to be serving a suspension, was played in the match, a move that has drawn heavy criticism from football stakeholders and prompted Nigeria to file a complaint with FIFA.
Source: Getty Images
According to GOAL, former South African Football Association (SAFA) chief executive and Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) attorney, Raymond Hack, has now blasted both the federation and Mokoena, insisting the rules are clear and that both parties failed in their responsibilities.
SAFA face heavy consequences
According to FIFA regulations, any team that fields an ineligible player automatically forfeits the match in question with a 3-0 scoreline awarded to the opponents.
If the ruling goes against South Africa, their 2-0 win over Lesotho will be overturned, leaving Bafana Bafana with a damaging three-point deduction.
This development could reshape Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, where South Africa currently sit ahead of Nigeria with six points.
Losing those points would slash their lead and hand a lifeline to the Super Eagles, who are chasing qualification after a shaky start.
Raymond Hack did not mince words in his criticism, making it clear that ignorance is not an excuse in professional football.
“It’s very clear, the rules say you cannot play when you have been suspended. The onus is on the team and the player to know,” he told KickOff.
Hack, speaking further, blamed Mokoena for not taking responsibility for his actions.
“The player knows when he has been booked. You cannot claim not to be aware. By playing, he has brought his country into disrepute,” he said.
Nigeria raise complaint to FIFA
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has officially raised the matter with FIFA, arguing that Bafana Bafana gained an unfair advantage by using a suspended player.
The Super Eagles, who are direct rivals in the group, are pushing for the rules to be enforced to the letter. With Nigeria closely monitoring the situation, the case could significantly tilt the balance of qualification.
Mokoena still in Bafana’s plans
Despite the controversy, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has still included Mokoena in his preliminary squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in September.
Source: Getty Images
The decision has sparked further debate about SAFA’s handling of the situation.
Observers believe the midfielder’s selection sends the wrong message at a time when the federation is under scrutiny.
CAF president can’t stop FIFA’s punishment
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that 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.
However, football authorities have debunked these claims, clarifying that CAF has no jurisdiction over FIFA-organised tournaments.
Source: Legit.ng
