South Africa's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup have suffered a significant blow after they had been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible participant.
Teboho Mokoena performed within the 2-0 win over Lesotho in March regardless of the 28-year-old midfielder being as a result of serve a suspension after accumulating two yellow playing cards.
A Fifa disciplinary committee has dominated that South Africa breached competitors guidelines, and has imposed a 3-0 forfeit.
The nation's soccer affiliation (Safa) has been fined 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500, £9,340), whereas Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
The choice has blown Group C of African World Cup qualifying broad open, with South Africa dropping from prime of the desk to second place, behind Benin on purpose distinction.
Solely the group winners are assured of reaching subsequent yr's event in north and central America.
It additionally offers renewed hope to Rwanda and Nigeria of reaching the finals, with each of these sides now three factors beneath Benin and South Africa.
Benin journey to Rwanda and Nigeria within the ultimate two spherical of qualifiers between 10 and 14 October, whereas South Africa face an away recreation in opposition to Zimbabwe earlier than internet hosting Rwanda.
Safa has 10 days to enchantment Fifa's resolution.
