World Cup (Q): South Africa points deduction embarrassing— Sport Minister

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has reacted to FIFA’s deduction of three points from the national team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup race.

The world football governing body docked the points from Bafana Bafana after finding the 2010 World Cup hosts guilty of fielding then ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during a game against Lesotho on March 21.

South Africa have since dropped from top to second position in Group C, swapping with Benin. FIFA also fined the South African Football Association for the fielding of the Mamelodi Sundowns star during the World Cup qualifier.

Reacting to the punishment via a statement, McKenzie described the development as embarrassing to the nation and promised an investigation on the matter.

“This development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football,” he is quoted as saying.

“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it. We thank FIFA for swift action and not making us wonder and wait in agony about our fate.”

“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences,” he added.

FIFA has since handed Lesotho a 3-0 forfeit victory from the clash, which South Africa initially won 2-0 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Mokoena started the match despite being issued two yellow cards over the course of the previous matches, which should have seen him suspended due to yellow card accumulation according to FIFA rules.

There was a distinct possibility that South Africa could escape punishment due to the fact that Lesotho did not file a formal complaint within a 48-hour time window following the match. Lesotho Football Association general secretary Mohosi Mohapi confirmed to Pan-Africa Football that they had written to FIFA after the window had elapsed.