2026 WCQ: South Africa Confirm They Are Under FIFA Investigation As Benin, Nigeria Wait

Lydia Monyepao

Lydia Monyepao, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Football Association (SAFA), has confirmed that FIFA has officially contacted the body regarding its investigation into the Teboho Mokoena suspension case.

The world football governing body has written to Bafana Bafana, demanding an explanation as to how Mokoena played against Lesotho in March this year.

The midfielder was ineligible to feature in the 2026 World Cup qualifier having picked up two yellow cards.

FIFA’s investigation could now overturn South Africa’s 2-0 win to a 3-0 defeat.

“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded, we received it yesterday,” Monyepao said via Idiski Times.

“So we’re preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which is ultimately required of us as an association…”

With two games left to play, Nigeria occupy third spot in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa, who have 17 points, and Benin Republic on 14 points.

Both Benin and Nigeria will be eagerly awaiting FIFA’s verdict on the matter.