Overview

• FIFA formally notified SAFA that the March 21 win over Lesotho is under disciplinary review, with SAFA and Teboho Mokoena asked to respond on a reported six‑day timeline.
• SAFA chief executive Lydia Monyepao says a formal defence is being prepared and the focus remains on winning October’s qualifiers to secure World Cup passage.
• FIFA’s code prescribes a 3-0 forfeit, a three-point deduction and at least a CHF 6,000 fine when a team fields an ineligible player, and the player may also be sanctioned.
• A forfeit would cut South Africa to 14 points and likely hand Group C’s lead to Benin on goal difference with two matches remaining against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
• Earlier signals that Bafana were in the clear—an omission from a disciplinary list and a FIFA X post—have been superseded by the opening of formal proceedings.