FIFA has sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, boosting Nigeria and Benin’s World Cup qualifying hopes.
FIFA has sanctioned South Africa for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March. Although South Africa won the match, FIFA on Monday awarded a 3-0 victory to Lesotho.
“The South African Football Association was fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a warning,” FIFA said.
The ruling cuts South Africa’s points in Group C from 17 to 14, placing them level with Benin, who remain second, while Nigeria sits third with 11 points.
With two games left for each team, the decision significantly improves the qualification chances of both Nigeria and Benin.
FIFA’s action underlines its strict enforcement of eligibility rules in the ongoing qualifiers.