South Africa has been docked three points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player, Sports Minister Gayton Mckenzie confirmed on Monday.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee also fined the South African Football Association (SAFA) 10,000 Swiss Francs (around USD 12,540), with the ruling published on the same day.

“This development is deeply regrettable and has embarrassed both our nation and the game of football. We acknowledge that this has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility,” Mckenzie said in a statement.

He thanked FIFA for acting swiftly, saying it spared the country a prolonged period of uncertainty. The minister also announced that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture would launch an investigation into the “incompetence” that led to the sanction.

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The punishment followed Bafana Bafana’s decision to field midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho on March 21, despite the 28-year-old being suspended for one match after picking up two yellow cards.

As a result, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho. Mokoena was also issued a formal warning. SAFA has the option to appeal the decision within 10 days.

The points deduction pushed South Africa to second place in Group C of the African qualifiers, level on points with Benin but behind on goal difference. However, Bafana Bafana remain well placed to qualify, with decisive matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda still to come.

“This deduction is just a bump in the road. We believe we are still firmly on track for qualification, and our confidence in the team’s ability to succeed remains unshaken,” Mckenzie added.