Lesotho Urges FIFA to Be Fair Over Mokoena’s Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers

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Lesotho's Football Association (LFA) has called on FIFA to apply its rules fairly regarding South Africa’s use of an ineligible player during their 2026 World Cup qualifying match last Friday.

The Issue:

  • South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena played in the 2-0 win against Lesotho, despite accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe, which should have led to his suspension.

  • This oversight could result in a three-point deduction for South Africa, despite them currently leading Group C with five points.

However, LFA Secretary-General Mokhosi Mohapi admitted that Lesotho failed to file their protest within FIFA’s required timeframe – within two hours after the game or 24 hours post-match.

FIFA’s Role in Enforcing Rules

Despite missing the protest deadline, Mohapi insists FIFA should act on its own, citing Article 8.3 of FIFA’s statutes, which mandates automatic suspension for ineligible players.

"FIFA should do what is right for the good of the game," Mohapi told Newzroom Africa. “If a player was automatically suspended, FIFA should have enforced it rather than wait for a protest.”

Nigeria’s Interest in the Case

Reports suggest that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may support Lesotho’s appeal, given Nigeria’s slim chances of qualification. However, Mohapi dismissed any links to Nigeria’s ambitions.

“We are in communication with FIFA and SAFA, and there is no bad blood. Whether we get the three points or not is not our concern—we just want fair play.”

The Impact on Group C

  • South Africa leads with five points, but a potential deduction could alter standings.

  • Nigeria, currently fourth with seven points, remains in contention for qualification.

FIFA’s decision on the matter could have major implications for the group’s standings and the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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