The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly pushing FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, according to reports.
The controversy centers around Mokoena’s appearance in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder played 82 minutes of the match.
However, it has emerged that Mokoena received yellow cards in South Africa’s previous matches against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel
According to FIFA regulations, a player accumulating two yellow cards in separate World Cup qualifier matches is required to serve a one-match suspension.
The rule book explicitly states: “If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match or in two different matches of the same competition, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match.”
Therefore, Mokoena should have been suspended for the Lesotho match, but he was fielded regardless.
Nigerian supporters are hopeful that FIFA will enforce the rules and deduct three points from South Africa, which would significantly boost Nigeria’s own qualification chances.
As of this report, neither South Africa nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued an official statement on the matter.
Leave feedback about this