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.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has reconvened after the expiration of a six-month emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on September 17, directing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the assembly to resume their official duties on September 18.

Thursday’s plenary session was presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule and held at the conference hall within the assembly quarters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Since the assembly chamber at the Moscow Road complex was razed and later demolished by the state government, lawmakers have been using the conference hall as their temporary chamber.

The reconstruction of the assembly complex, which was overseen by the outgone sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, could not be completed before his exit.

On March 18, Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers State following a protracted political crisis triggered by the rift between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

More to come…

At least six more people have been confirmed dead following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial complex located on Broad Street, Lagos Island.

The latest victims were employees of United Capital, an investment and financial services company that occupied the third and fourth floors of the building.

The confirmation comes only hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced the deaths of four of its staff members in the same incident on Wednesday evening.

The fire, which reportedly broke out in the inverter room at the basement around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, generated thick smoke and caused widespread panic among occupants. Witnesses said some individuals attempted to escape through windows as emergency teams fought to contain the blaze.

Operatives of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders evacuated at least nine people from the tower. Five of them were resuscitated, while four remained unconscious at the time.

“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said in an earlier update, raising fears of possible casualties.

In an official statement released on Thursday morning, United Capital confirmed that six of its staff had died in the incident. The new figure brings the total number of confirmed deaths from the Afriland Towers fire to 10.

“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.

“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.

“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” the company stated.

Authorities earlier confirmed that several occupants were rescued from the inferno, which was suspected to have been triggered by an inverter explosion. However, no official casualty figure has yet been issued.

Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were unsuccessful as of press time.