The International Football Federation (FIFA) decided to annul South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup after it was proven that an ineligible player, Thabiso Mokoena, was fielded. He was supposed to be absent due to suspension for accumulated yellow cards.

FIFA considered South Africa to have lost the match 0-3 by default, resulting in the loss of 3 valuable points and dropping from the top of Group C in the qualifiers.

The South African Football Association issued an official statement announcing its intention to file a formal appeal to FIFA within the legal deadline (10 days from receiving the decision), requesting a written explanation of the ruling, acknowledging the administrative error in fielding the suspended player, and apologizing to the fans.

The statement pointed out that the association “was not given the opportunity to defend its position” before the judicial body that issued the FIFA ruling.

The South African association confirmed it will take all legal measures, and if the first appeal is rejected, it reserves the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

With the last two rounds of qualifiers approaching, the fate of the national team in the qualifiers could be significantly affected if the appeal is not accepted.

South Africa has the same points (14) but is second on goal difference after the point deduction.

Nigeria and Rwanda each have 11 points.

Remaining rounds: only two matches left.

Direct qualification: awarded to the first place team.

Additional chance: the best four second-placed teams play an African playoff, with the winner representing the continent in the global playoff.

South Africa plays Zimbabwe (away) on October 10 and Rwanda at home on October 14. The results of these matches will be decisive in determining South Africa’s fate, especially if the appeal is rejected and the point deduction stands.