Bafana Bafana could escape FIFA punishment over Mokoena’s debacle

Hugo Broos’ lads Bafana Bafana are now five points clear in the Group C 2026 World Cup qualifiers after beating Benin two-nil at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium last night.

Bafana Bafana is now five points clear of Rwanda, second in the log standings after six games.

No doubt, the two goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams were enough for Bafana to set one foot in the biggest football showdown with four games remaining.

MOKOENA’S DEBACLE MIGHT NOT COST BAFANA BAFANA AFTER ALL: WHAT DOES FIFA’S DISCIPLINARY CODE SAY?

However, the win came after concerns emerged regarding the potential derailment of Bafana Bafana’s campaign due to Teboho Mokoena’s participation despite having two yellow cards before their fixture against Lesotho last week.

The star should have been suspended for South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho because of the two yellow cards, but that was not the case.

Although his involvement could potentially lead to a points reduction, the publication noted that Bafana Bafana might not be punished despite breaching the rules according to the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

According to the FIFA disciplinary code, under carrying over cautions, it is clear that “if a person receives a caution in two separate matches of the same FIFA competition, they are automatically suspended from the next match in that competition.”

However, the code further states that “protests must reach the Disciplinary Committee in writing, indicating the relevant grounds, within 24 hours of the end of the match in question.

“The 24-hour time limit cannot be extended. For the sake of the smooth running of the competition, the corresponding competition regulations may shorten the protest deadline accordingly.”

News of the debacle was reportedly noted and seemingly reported after the 24-hour time-lapse, and fans have since been convinced that South Africa might not be punished.

It remains uncertain whether FIFA will take action if Lesotho reportedly filed their complaint late, outside of the stipulated 24-hour time frame.

Lesotho Football Association (LFA) Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi did not openly confirm when they noted and lodged a formal complaint.

“We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings, and we have since sent a formal inquiry to CAF and Fifa,” Mohapi said to SowetanLIVE.

“We have heard that Nigeria also wants to protest, and they are entitled to that because the result (last Friday) prejudices everyone. Suppose we fielded a defaulter and got the points, and Bafana would have done the same.

“Unfortunately, the law is the law, and Safa should have known about the bookings. We have no hard feelings. We want those points.”

DOES LESOTHO HAVE A CASE, GIVEN THE CLARITY IN FIFA’S DISCIPLINARY CODE?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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