World Cup qualifiers: Rohr urges FIFA to penalize South Africa with 3 points deduction
Former Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has urged FIFA to deduct three points and three goals from South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for playing an ineligible player in their 2-0 win against Lesotho in March.
Recall that South Africa had fielded Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 win over Lesotho.
Mokoena was meant to be suspended for Lesotho’s clash with South Africa after he picked 2 yellow cards in previous games.
Speaking recently with veteran Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana in France, Rohr, who is currently the head coach of the national football team of Benin Republic, who are in the same Group C with Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, said: “I’m calling on FIFA to make themselves clear on the points situation in our 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, as South Africa used an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier, which means they must lose three points and three goals to the opponent of the said match, Lesotho.
“I’m surprised that FIFA is taking too long to resolve what a very straightforward matter is. It should and must be resolved without further delay.”
South Africa currently top the group with 13 points ahead of Rwanda (points), Benin Republic (8 points) and Nigeria (7 points) with just four games left.
The next World Cup qualifiers fixtures will take place in September.
World Cup qualifiers: Rohr urges FIFA to penalize South Africa with 3 points deduction
