The clock is ticking fast to the six-day ultimatum that FIFA gave to the South African Football Association (SAFA) to respond to the country’s fielding of an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in March.
SAFA has till this Saturday to file their defense.
South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign could face a major twist if FIFA upholds a complaint that may see Bafana Bafana docked three points for allegedly fielding an ineligible player.
Hugo Broos’ side currently sit three points clear at the top of Group C after eight rounds of matches, holding a strong advantage over their rivals. Third-placed Nigeria trail by six points, while Benin are second and pushing hard to keep qualification hopes alive.
A potential three-point deduction would drastically alter the group standings, bringing South Africa level with Benin. While Bafana hold the head-to-head edge after defeating the West Africans home and away, the ruling could pile pressure on Broos’ men heading into their final fixtures.
South Africa are scheduled to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October, matches that could now prove decisive if the disciplinary ruling narrows their margin at the top of the log.
For now, SAFA insists it is not worried about the investigation, but the looming threat of lost points means every remaining game could make or break Bafana Bafana’s journey to the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.
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