Archive · 29 Sep 2025
South Africa Forfeits World Cup Qualifier Over Ineligible Player
South Africa's soccer team lost a World Cup qualifying match because they played a player who wasn't allowed to play.
The player, Teboho Mokoena, had received too many yellow cards in previous games.
Because of this, South Africa's 2-0 win against Lesotho was changed to a 3-0 loss.
This means they lost important points in the qualifying round and now have less chance of going to the World Cup.
They also have to pay a fine.
The South African FA can still try to appeal the decision.
South Africa forfeited a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho.
The original match result of 2-0 in South Africa's favor was changed to a 3-0 loss.
Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play due to accumulated yellow cards.
The South African FA was fined 10,000 Swiss francs.
South Africa now sits in second place in Group C of the African Zone qualifiers.
- Who
- South Africa and Lesotho
- What
- South Africa forfeited a World Cup qualifying match
- When
- March 21st (match); Decision announced Monday
- Where
- Polokwane (match location)
- Why
- South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena.
- Event
- South Africa forfeits World Cup qualifier
- Match Affected
- South Africa vs. Lesotho
- Original Result
- South Africa won 2-0
- Revised Result
- Lesotho won 3-0 (forfeit)
- Reason for Forfeit
- Ineligible player (Teboho Mokoena)
- Ineligible Player
- Teboho Mokoena
- Penalty
- 10,000 Swiss francs fine