McKenzie Calls Points Deduction “Embarrassment” And Orders Investigation

Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie has stated that the recent FIFA ruling, which docked Bafana Bafana three points from their FIFA World Cup campaign, has brought “embarrassment.”

He confirmed that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) “will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction.”

FIFA Sanctions SAFA for Ineligible Player

FIFA sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during the qualifier against Lesotho. As a result of SAFA’s negligence, the match result was overturned: Bafana Bafana lost the three points, and a 3-0 forfeiture victory was awarded to Lesotho.

Mokoena, a Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, had accumulated two yellow cards—one against Benin in November 2023 and the second against Zimbabwe in March 2024. This triggered an automatic one-match suspension, which meant he should have missed the following game against Lesotho, but he played.

Sportswire had been informed that SAFA planned to argue to FIFA that they had “played too many matches and they lost track of the yellow cards,” but FIFA rejected this explanation.

Minister McKenzie’s Full Statement

Minister McKenzie’s department released a statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation:

“As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I have taken note of the recent decision by FIFA to deduct three points from Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and fine SAFA 10,000 Swiss Francs (about R215,000). This development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football.”

He continued, “We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it. We thank FIFA for swift action and not making us wonder and wait in agony about our fate.”

Focus on Investigation and Support

The Minister emphasized the dual focus moving forward:

1. Supporting the Team: “Our immediate focus must be on rallying behind our national team as they prepare for their crucial final two matches in Durban and Mbombela… This deduction is but a bump in the road, and we believe that we remain firmly on track for qualification; our belief in the team’s ability to succeed is unshaken.”
2. Ensuring Accountability: “The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences.”

McKenzie concluded with a call for national unity: “We urge all South Africans to unite in support of Bafana Bafana… Together, we can and must carry them on our shoulders to the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, and this moment must show the world that South Africans come together in moments of crisis. We must be the 12th man on the field for them in the last two games.”

Appeal and Current Standings

In addition to the points deduction, SAFA has been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA, and Mokoena has been issued a warning.

SAFA has 10 days to appeal the forfeiture decision to the FIFA Appeal Committee.

As things currently stand, Bafana Bafana have dropped to second place in Group C with 14 points after eight matches. They are level on points with Benin, who have moved to the top spot due to a superior goal difference.

In the African qualifiers, only the group winners automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The four best-placed runners-up will get a second chance via a play-off round.