South Africa’s quest for a historic return to the FIFA World Cup has hit stormy waters after it emerged that Bafana Bafana and the South African Soccer Affiliation (SAFA) are dealing with disciplinary costs from soccer’s world governing physique.
The bombshell growth follows South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March, a match that would now be overturned after midfielder Teboho Mokoena – who was serving a suspension – was controversially fielded.
In line with a report by SABC, FIFA has formally written to SAFA confirming that “each the participant and the affiliation face costs of breaching a number of disciplinary laws, together with the fielding of an ineligible participant.” The matter has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given a brief window to file their response.
If discovered responsible, Bafana could possibly be compelled to forfeit the Lesotho win, successfully surrendering three essential factors. The sanction would see South Africa drop from 17 to 14 factors in Group C, pulling them degree with Benin after eight matches. Hugo Broos’ males would cling to first place solely by a razor-thin benefit in objective distinction.
This nightmare twist comes simply days after South Africa held Nigeria to a gutsy 1-1 attract Uyo, a outcome that appeared to maintain automated qualification firmly inside their grasp. With solely group winners assured a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup within the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the looming FIFA ruling might go away Bafana’s marketing campaign hanging by a thread.
The stakes couldn’t be greater. South Africa’s upcoming fixtures towards Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October at the moment are shaping up as probably do-or-die clashes, particularly if the disciplinary hammer falls.
To additional muddy the waters, earlier stories prompt that South Africa had escaped sanction, sparking confusion and frustration amongst followers. SAFA has remained tight-lipped on the matter, however with FIFA’s letter now in circulation, the affiliation could quickly don’t have any alternative however to handle the rising uncertainty.
For now, Bafana Bafana’s World Cup dream stands at a crossroads — nonetheless alive, however clouded by off-field drama that threatens to undo months of hard-fought progress
