FIFA’s Disciplinary Code: Teboho Mokoena’s yellow cards debacle might not affect Bafana Bafana after all.
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 Tuesday night.
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.