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- The Lesotho Football Association has warned FIFA that failing to sanction South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers could set a precedent
- Bafana Bafana face points deductions for fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March 2025
- Although Lesotho failed to lodge a protest at the time, as both teams were unaware of the suspension of Teboho Mokoena
The secretary general of the Lesotho Football Association, Mokhosi Mohapi, has warned FIFA of the implications of failure to sanction South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player in the World Cup qualifiers, and there are calls for the team to forfeit three points and three goals in the campaign.
Teboho Mokoena had received yellow cards in two previous matches before their game against Lesotho in March, but the Mamelodi Sundowns striker was in action during the 2-0 win.
Source: Getty Images
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Both teams were unaware of the suspension at the time, and as a result, there was no official complaint to FIFA before the required deadline, per Vanguard.
Group rivals Nigeria and Benin are banking on the world’s football governing body to take action on their own, but after more than six months, no action has been taken.
In a chat with South African outlet Soccer Laduma, Mohapi lamented the situation, saying FIFA could set a new precedent with their actions.
He, however, disclosed that Lesotho will not appeal whatever decision by the tournament organisers. Mohapi said:
“No, it’s up to what FIFA does with it. I can’t sing a chorus. I get tired of singing choruses. It’s up to FIFA.
“I stand by what I am saying that Teboho (Mokoena) was not supposed to play. Anyone can argue that but we know what happened.
“If you then try and just do it because you are saying ‘what if we play him?’ If they think they played him rightly in the first one.
“The second one was cautionary, saying ‘let’s do this’. The question is who is at liberty to choose which match to suspend or to serve with?
“Who is at liberty? That’s the question I think it’s the right thing to do (to wait and respect FIFA’s decision). They are the competition organisers.
“They are the custodians of the laws so let them do it. It’s up to them. The precedence they set is theirs.
“If we lose the case, I won’t even pursue it. I have a lot of things to do. FIFA’s decision will be the last one. I will not pursue it. Those are precedents.”
” So everybody is going to be free to play players who are not eligible to play, you know.”
Source: Getty Images
FIFA sanctions 6 countries
Legit.ng earlier reported that the world’s football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned six countries in the race for the 2026 World Cup qualification.
Defending champions Argentina were among the teams that faced heavy fines for breaching the rules during the series.
Source: Legit.ng
