September 29, 2025-Published by Cyril
The world football governing body, FIFA, has once again shown zero tolerance for teams breaking eligibility rules. The latest victim is South Africa, docked three points after fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended, in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Lesotho.
Over the years, several countries — including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Cape Verde — have been punished for similar offences, ranging from point deductions to match forfeitures. These sanctions have often reshaped qualification tables and dashed nations’ World Cup dreams.
1. Cape Verde — 2013 (2014 World Cup Qualifiers)
- Offence: Fielded Fernando Varela while suspended.
- Sanction: Match forfeited, Tunisia awarded a 3–0 win.
- Impact: Cape Verde lost their playoff chance to Tunisia.
2. Ethiopia — June 2013 (2014 World Cup Qualifiers)
- Offence: Used Minyahil Teshome Beyene, who hadn’t served a suspension.
- Sanction: Botswana awarded a 3–0 win.
- Impact: Ethiopia stripped of vital points.
3. Sudan — 2013 (2014 World Cup Qualifiers)
- Offence: Fielded Saif Ali while suspended.
- Sanction: Zambia handed a 3–0 victory.
- Impact: Sudan lost points, and CAS dismissed their appeal.
4. Burkina Faso — December 2012
- Offence: Used an ineligible player in AFCON/World Cup qualifiers.
- Sanction: Opponent awarded a 3–0 win, Burkina fined.
- Impact: Altered group standings.
5. Gabon — 2012
- Offence: Played Charly Moussono, previously capped by Cameroon.
- Sanction: Forfeited games, opponents got 3–0 wins.
- Impact: Group rankings were reshaped.
6. Togo — 2013
- Offence: Reported cases of ineligible players in qualifiers.
- Sanction: Forfeits and points to opponents.
- Impact: African groups are significantly affected.
7. Nigeria — 2017 (Russia 2018 Qualifiers)
- Offence: Fielded Shehu Abdullahi despite suspension.
- Sanction: Algeria given a 3–0 win, Nigeria fined.
- Impact: Nigeria deducted three points, and NFF issued an apology.
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8. Equatorial Guinea — May 2024 (2026 World Cup Qualifiers)
- Offence: Emilio Nsue played and scored despite ineligibility.
- Sanction: Matches forfeited 3–0, Nsue banned.
- Impact: Huge blow to Equatorial Guinea’s campaign.
9. South Africa — 2025 (2026 World Cup Qualifiers)
- Offence: Teboho Mokoena played while suspended.
- Sanction: Lesotho awarded a 3–0 win, SAFA fined.
- Impact: Group C standings shaken, controversy reignited.
👉 This shows how costly administrative errors can be in international football. One wrong player, and years of preparation can go up in smoke.
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