17/10/2025
Minister McKenzie calls for investigation after Bafana Bafana points deduction
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has called for a detailed report from the South African Football Association (SAFA) following FIFA's decision to deduct three points from Bafana Bafana.
The penalty stemmed from the team's fielding of an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a March World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches, rendering him suspended for the Lesotho fixture. Despite this, he played 82 minutes of the match, leading to FIFA awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho and fining SAFA R215,000.
McKenzie expressed deep regret over the incident, labeling it an embarrassment to the nation and the sport. He emphasized that the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture would spearhead a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences .
Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Rwanda 3-0 in their final qualifier. This victory, combined with Benin's loss to Nigeria, allowed South Africa to top their group on goal difference .
However, McKenzie remains steadfast in his demand for accountability, asserting that the matter is far from closed. He insists that those responsible for the administrative oversight will be held accountable to uphold the integrity of South African football .
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the governance structures within SAFA and the oversight mechanisms in place #