The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has formally launched disciplinary action against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena for alleged violation of competition regulations during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The case arises from South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho on March 21, 2025, in Polokwane, where Mokoena was fielded despite being suspended.

The 28-year-old had previously collected two yellow cards in the qualifiers — first against Benin in November 2023 and again against Zimbabwe in June 2024. Under FIFA rules, that accumulation should have triggered a one-match suspension.

In a letter to SAFA dated September 15, 2025, and obtained by South African broadcaster SABC, FIFA confirmed that both Mokoena and the association are facing charges for “fielding an ineligible player.”

The matter has now been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which has given both SAFA and the player six days to respond.

If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the result, with Lesotho awarded a 3-0 victory on paper. Additional penalties, including fines or suspensions, may also be imposed.

Such a ruling would alter Group C standings: South Africa would drop to 14 points after eight matches, level with Benin but still top on goal difference (+6 compared to Benin’s +4). Lesotho would climb to nine points, two behind Nigeria and Rwanda, who are tied on 11 points each.

The development has increased pressure on coach Hugo Broos and his squad, who must defeat Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October to secure qualification — unless Benin falters against Rwanda and Nigeria.

SAFA has yet to issue an official statement on the disciplinary case.

Two-time Olympic medallist, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has said that Nigerian athletes, past and present, are only entitled to respect and recognition for their achievements, not lifetime financial support from the government.

Udo-Obong made the remarks following criticisms by some former Super Eagles players, including Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen, who accused the government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of neglecting retired footballers at the service of songs for late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.

In a post shared via Facebook, Udo-Obong dismissed calls for special financial entitlements for athletes, arguing that sportsmen benefited from privileges during their careers.

“It is insulting for Austin Eguavoen to compare playing in the Super Eagles or any sportsman with a soldier. One lives a life of luxury and privilege, and the other lays down his life and privileges so that all can enjoy a life of privilege,” he wrote.

“The nation owes no sportsman any favour. On the contrary, we owe the country for the opportunity and platform they have given us to flourish our talents and to live a life envious to the majority. All we deserve from the country and its leaders is respect and recognition for our hard work,” Udo-Obong added.

Udo-Obong anchored Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and also won bronze in Athens 2004.

In 2024, he was appointed Technical Director of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Athletics Development Programme, after beating competitors from the United States, Britain and Australia.

Before taking up the Saudi role, the 43-year-old served in various capacities in Nigerian athletics, including as Technical Director of the Lagos State Athletics Association.

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a package that includes “$100,000” for each player and “$50,000” for every member of the 11-person coaching and technical crew.

All team members and staff also received a three-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope Estate.

Additionally, the President bestowed the national honour of “Officer of the Order of the Niger” on the players and their technical team.

More to come…