Bafana Bafana recently moved one step closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing to a 1-1 draw against Nigeria, which ensured they stood firm at the top of Group C.
With only the group winners qualifying automatically, Bafana Bafana held their fate firmly within their own hands, but this could now ripped from their grasp.
For quite some time, there has been a shadow hanging over Bafana and the South African Football Association (SAFA) due to questions that arose after fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.
There has been no public word on the matter from FIFA, but it’s now reported by SABC that a letter has been sent to SAFA to confirm that “both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player”.
The case will apparently go before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena having a few days to submit their response, but there will now be real fears that Bafana could be forced to forfeit the match.
If South Africa effectively lose three log points, this nightmare scenario would see them fall level with Benin (14 log points) after eight matches, but they would remain at the top due to a marginally superior goal difference.
What’s next for Bafana Bafana?
South Africa will next face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October, and these could now become must-win fixtures if they are docked points.
It does remain to be seen what will come of this considering that reports earlier this week suggested that FIFA’s latest rulings and disciplinary decisions had indicated that South Africa would face no sanctions over the matter.
SAFA has yet to make a public statement on the matter, but their hand may be forced soon.
WHERE HUGO BROOS’ TEAM STAND IN WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP
