The South African Football Association (SAFA) has vowed to appeal FIFA’s decision to dock Bafana Bafana three points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a ruling that has sent shockwaves through the nation’s football community.
On Monday, FIFA awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory in the Group C clash played in March, overturning South Africa’s original 2-0 win.
The penalty came after midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ruled ineligible, having accumulated two yellow cards in earlier matches.
South Africa now sits in second place with 14 points, behind Benin Republic, who also have 14 points but lead on goal difference.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles trail closely in third with 11 points, intensifying the race for qualification.
Reacting to the ruling, SAFA described FIFA’s move as “unprecedented” and deeply unfair.
The association criticised the process, noting that the judgment was delivered by a single-member panel “without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments.”
The governing body has since requested written reasons for the ruling and confirmed its plan to lodge an official appeal with FIFA’s Appeals Committee within the 10-day window.
SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan expressed regret over the incident, calling it an administrative lapse but urging fans to stay positive.
“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight, but we remain focused on ensuring Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” Jordaan stated.
The deduction has raised concerns about whether South Africa can hold its nerve with two crucial fixtures left.
They will host Zimbabwe in Durban on October 10 before wrapping up their campaign against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on October 14.
Meanwhile, rival teams such as Benin and Nigeria will be closely monitoring the outcome, knowing the final group standings could be reshuffled.
It is fair deduction. An ineligible player cannot be fielded