South Africa\u2019s Bafana Bafana<\/a> risk FIFA sanctions after fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, Soccernet.ng reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n Earlier in the qualifying series, the Mamelodi Sundowns player received two yellow cards<\/a>, which normally meant he should have served a suspension by sitting out the next game against Lesotho, but he was still fielded.<\/p>\n Lesotho immediately filed a protest, demanding South Africa be docked three points and the result overturned to a 3-0 defeat.<\/p>\n Nearly six months later, FIFA has yet to make a final ruling, which has left the group in suspense ahead of a decisive clash between Nigeria and Bafana Bafana.<\/p>\n However, former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh has offered a detailed breakdown of the disciplinary process and why penalties\u2014though standard\u2014might not be imposed.<\/p>\n According to FIFA\u2019s Disciplinary Code, a player who receives two yellow cards across different matches is automatically suspended for the following game. By fielding Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho, South Africa appeared to breach this regulation.<\/p>\n Oliseh explained:<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Football Association is responsible for ensuring that only eligible players are fielded. If a team fields an ineligible player and the valid protest is upheld, standard penalties include the forfeiture of the match. The result is typically overturned to a 3-0 defeat for the offending team regardless of the actual score.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This means South Africa would not only lose three points but also see their goal difference adjusted from +2 to -3, handing Lesotho the victory.<\/p>\n Many fans, especially Nigerians, have wondered why FIFA has not already sanctioned Bafana Bafana. Oliseh, speaking further via his podcast, revealed that such processes take time.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is simply because the process can take weeks to months, as FIFA may request additional information from the associations involved.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The disciplinary committee must review official reports, yellow card records, and team sheets. If Lesotho\u2019s protest was filed within the two-hour post-match window and confirmed with supporting evidence within 24\u201348 hours, then FIFA is obliged to investigate.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s where the matter becomes complex. While forfeiture is the standard punishment, FIFA\u2019s judicial bodies have discretion. Oliseh noted:<\/p>\n \u201cIf no valid protest was filed or if FIFA determines extenuating factors\u2014for example, administrative errors without intent\u2014penalties could be mitigated or waived, though this is rare.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This leaves open the possibility that South Africa may escape with only a fine, especially if the disciplinary committee views Mokoena\u2019s absence from the following match against Benin as having already fulfilled his suspension.<\/p>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/Qfmg40HCG5GA3hIWdpv3pTZUhUI=\/2560x1707\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fsoccernet.ng%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2Fimago1008053609-scaled.jpg\")
Soccer Standard FIFA rule<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Why the delay?<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Could penalties be waived for Bafana Bafana?<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Teboho Mokoena Yellow card saga: Rwanda coach on \u201cafrican politics\u201d<\/h2>\n
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