- Lesotho vs. South Africa: FIFA dispute that could change World Cup qualification
- Fair competition or missed the deadline? Lesotho challenged South Africa’s qualification error
- Can Nigeria benefit? South Africa faces possible FIFA points deduction
Mokhosi Mohapi, secretary general of the Lesotho Football Association (LFA), said their complaints about South Africa’s use of players who should not play in the game were not submitted correctly.
However, he believes that FIFA still has to ensure fair play and protect the fairness of football games.
South Africa may lose key points in Group C
South Africa currently ranks first in Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
They could lose three points as they played Teboho Mokoena, who should be suspended after receiving two yellow cards in previous games.
This error was found only after the game, which raised questions about whether FIFA would take action.
Lesotho’s complaint may not be accepted by FIFA
If FIFA takes points away from South Africa, it could change the group’s ranking.
However, the complaint in Lesotho may not work as it was not filed within FIFA’s deadline.
Mohapi has errors in accepting the complaint
Mohapi said in her acceptance of the New Zealand ancestral house in Africa:
> “Fifa should do the right thing, but our complaints are not the right way.”
FIFA should automatically pause players
Mohapi criticized FIFA’s system, saying:
FIFA should automatically pause players instead of waiting for the team to complain.
This will prevent such problems from happening again.
Lesotho does not help Nigeria qualify
Even if Nigerian teams can lose their squad from South Africa, Mohapi made it clear:
“We just want to play fairly.”
Lesotho’s complaints are about fairness, not helping Nigeria.
However, if FIFA deletes points, it may affect group rankings.
Also Read: 2026 WCQ: Super Hawks’ World Cup Opportunities Rises, South Africa’s Risk FIFA Punishment
Nigeria’s position in World Cup qualifiers Group C
Now, the ranking looks like this:
1. Nigeria ranks fourth.
2. South Africa ranked first with 13 points, leading by 6 points.
3. Nigeria may have a better chance of qualifying if FIFA canceled three points from South Africa.
Fans react on social media
🔹@footballafrica tweeted:
“The complaint in Lesotho may be late, but should FIFA step in to stay fair? This can change Group C!”
South African fan @mzansisoccer posted:
“It’s not fair! The game is over, now they want to change the result? #BAFANABAFANA”
🔹@naijasportshub, Nigerian football expert, tweeted:
“If FIFA follows the fair game rules, Nigeria can benefit. But will they really take action?”
Points to remember
✅South Africa may lose three points due to mistakes.
Lesotho’s complaint may not work because Lesotho’s complaint is late.
✅Nigeria may benefit, but Lesotho said they are just fighting for fairness.
✅Mohapi hopes FIFA automatically pauses unqualified players to prevent future problems.
What do you think?
Should FIFA change points, or should it remain the same?
Let us know in the comments below! 👇
