The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has called on FIFA to interpret the laws fairly regarding South Africa’s fielding of an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
Mokoena was suspended for the match against Lesotho after accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers, but his participation went unnoticed until after the game. South Africa won the match 2-0, but now face a potential three-point deduction.
The LFA Secretary-General, Mokhosi Mohapi, admitted that the association did not file their protest within the stipulated timeframe, but believes FIFA should have enforced the rules regardless.
“FIFA should do what is right for the good of the game,” Mohapi said. “They should have looked at their inventory rather than waiting for us to protest.”
The potential points deduction could impact the group standings, with Nigeria currently fourth with seven points, six points behind leaders South Africa. However, Mohapi emphasized that Lesotho’s actions are not motivated by Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.
“We’re not trying to help Nigeria qualify,” Mohapi said. “We just want the rules to be enforced fairly.”