FIFA Could Penalize South Africa Despite Lesotho Dropping Protest

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

FIFA could still impose a points deduction on South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, even though Lesotho reportedly withdrew its protest.

South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena played in their 2-0 win over Lesotho, despite being required to serve a one-match ban after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the series against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe.

Although Lesotho had initially filed a complaint with FIFA, there are rumors suggesting that the protest has now been withdrawn.

However, according to Colin Udoh, former media officer for Nigeria’s national team, this development does not change the situation.

Udoh pointed to Nigeria’s experience in 2018, when Shehu Abdullahi was in a similar predicament.

“In 2018, when Nigeria were in a similar position with Shehu Abdullahi, Algeria did not lodge a protest. But FIFA still took action and turned a 1-1 draw into a 0-3 loss,” Udoh wrote on X.

If FIFA rules in Lesotho’s favor, South Africa could face a three-point deduction, while Lesotho would be awarded three points and a 3-0 victory.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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