FIFA Faces Integrity Test as Lesotho Demands Fair Play in World Cup Qualifiers

The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has urged FIFA to uphold the integrity of the game by enforcing player eligibility rules in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This comes after South Africa’s midfielder Teboho Mokoena played in their 2-0 win over Lesotho despite being suspended, sparking a potential controversy.

Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches, rendering him ineligible for the game against Lesotho. However, the oversight was only discovered after the match, putting South Africa’s football governing body (SAFA) at risk of a three-point deduction.

The LFA has cited Article 8.3 of the FIFA statutes, which states that a player who has accumulated the required number of bookings should be automatically suspended. The association emphasized that this should not depend solely on a protest from an opposing team.

Although Lesotho’s formal protest was not lodged within the required timeframe, LFA Secretary-General Mokhosi Mohapi stressed that FIFA has a responsibility to enforce its own regulations. The case has generated significant interest, with potential implications for the qualification hopes of other teams, including Nigeria.

Mohapi dismissed suggestions that Lesotho’s position is being influenced by Nigeria’s aspirations, reiterating that their focus remains on upholding fair play and the integrity of the game. The decision now rests with FIFA, and its ruling could significantly impact the Group C standings.