Lesotho FA Officially Drops The Protest Against SAFA

The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has informed the South African Football Association (SAFA) in writing that they will not pursue their complaint regarding the alleged use of an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder played for South Africa against Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, 21 March.

Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards prior to the match, which should have resulted in a suspension. He received cautions against Benin in November 2023 and against Zimbabwe in June 2024.  

FIFA rules stipulate that a player receiving two yellow cards is suspended for the subsequent match. However, LeFA missed the 24-hour deadline to lodge a formal protest with FIFA.  

Despite this, they initially indicated they had written to FIFA requesting an investigation, arguing that the situation jeopardized other nations in the group and that South Africa should be penalized with point deductions.

However, they have now withdrawn their complaint.

“The Lesotho Football Association’s NEC, on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, after careful consideration of all relevant factors, resolved not to pursue and thus to withdraw the issue against the South African Football Association regarding their fielding of a player who had accumulated two yellow cards ahead of their match – South Africa vs Lesotho played in Polokwane on 21 March 2025,” stated LeFA Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi in a letter to SAFA.

“Kindly therefore, close the matter accordingly. We trust that you will find this in order.”

While LeFA has officially withdrawn their complaint and missed the protest deadline, this does not necessarily close the matter. Given that it pertains to a FIFA World Cup qualifier, FIFA’s disciplinary committee may still investigate and potentially sanction SAFA, either with point deductions or a monetary fine, depending on the severity of the perceived infraction.

Following their victories over Lesotho and Benin, South Africa now holds 13 points after six matches in Group C, five points ahead of second-placed Rwanda. Mokoena was excluded from the starting lineup against Benin, watching from the stands.  

Interestingly, all of South Africa’s remaining four World Cup qualifying matches will be played on home soil. Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been playing their home games in South Africa due to their stadiums not meeting CAF and FIFA approval standards. These upcoming matches include return fixtures against Rwanda and Nigeria.

Picture courtesy of KMSnapsGraphics