FIFA TO DEDUCT THREE POINTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA FOR FIELDING INELIGIBLE PLAYER

The world football governing body, FIFA, has informed South Africa that they committed a breach by fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier game against Lesotho, which could result in a three-point deduction. South Africa’s midfielder Teboho Mokoena played in the 2-0 win over Lesotho despite being suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.

A chieftain of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman, revealed that the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) has been served with a breach by FIFA, and they accepted the wrongdoing. “Mowiz FIFA communicated to South Africa already on the fielding of an ineligible player in Mokoena, and they accepted the charge. We (Nigeria) are waiting for the final decision on point deduction which will be delivered before the next round of games,” Suleiman said.

The potential three-point deduction would significantly impact the Group C standings, with Nigeria moving to within three points of the leaders. The Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the World Cup would increase, especially with a crucial game away to South Africa shaping up to be the group’s decider. The final decision on the point deduction is expected to be made before the resumption of games in September.