Former Super Eagles head coach and current Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has criticised FIFA and CAF for failing to take swift action against South Africa after they fielded an ineligible player in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena featured in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March despite being flagged as ineligible, a situation first raised by the Nigerian media and reported to FIFA.
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While a three-point deduction is expected, no official ruling has been made, leaving Group C qualification standings in uncertainty.
Rohr, speaking after Benin Republic’s 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe, expressed frustration at the governing bodies’ delay.
“South Africa won against Lesotho? Okay, but the match that matters is the first leg, where they have to lose the three points,” Rohr told Mega Sports.
“The rules are very, very clear. We don’t know why FIFA and CAF haven’t decided to take the points away. It is not normal. We don’t know where we stand. We have 11 points after this match today. South Africa has to lose three points, and then we will be only two points behind our opponent. What are they waiting for? It is incomprehensible.”
FIFA has reportedly informed the South African Football Association (SAFA) of the infringement and the likelihood of a points deduction, but the decision is yet to be enforced.
