Breaking News: South Africa faces three points deductions
Head coach of Benin Republic’s senior national team, Gernot Rohr, has urged FIFA to enforce disciplinary action against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena featured in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho despite having accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches—a situation that should have triggered a one-match suspension.
According to Rohr, FIFA has already informed the South African Football Association of the infraction and explained that the sanction involves a deduction of three points and three goals. However, the governing body has yet to officially confirm the penalty.
Rohr is no stranger to such disciplinary measures. While managing Nigeria in 2018, his side lost three points in World Cup qualifiers after fielding a suspended player. Now, he insists the same rules must apply to South Africa to ensure fairness in the competition.
“I am calling on FIFA to clarify the points situation in our World Cup qualifying group,” Rohr told veteran journalist Osasu Obayiuwana from his base in France.
“South Africa used an ineligible player, which by the rules means they must lose three points and three goals to Lesotho. With the qualifiers resuming in September, it is vital for all teams to know where they legitimately stand.
Rohr further expressed frustration over FIFA’s delay in finalizing the matter, describing it as “a very straightforward case” that should have been resolved promptly in the interest of fair play.
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