The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, says FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from the men’s national football team in their World Cup qualifiers has brought nothing but embarrassment.
On Monday, 29 September, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding Teboho Mokoena, a midfielder who was supposed to be suspended for the match against Lesotho in March 2025 due to having accumulated two yellow cards.
Following FIFA’s ruling, South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho has been overturned to a 3-0 loss, dropping Bafana Bafana from the top of Group C ahead of the final two crucial matches. Benin now leads the group with 17 points.
Reacting to the development, McKenzie said the situation has brought South Africa into disrepute.
McKenzie said his department will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to the sanction.
“We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences,” McKenzie said.
