By Bayo Olupohunda,Dare Kuti

Copyright legit

FIFA has sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifierBafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena was booked twice but played against Lesotho on March 21Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has reacted to the ruling of FIFA, focusing on their last two matches

Gernot Rohr has shared his opinion on the last decision by FIFA, imposing severe sanctions on South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana were docked three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player during their match against Lesotho on March 21.

Mamelodi Sundowns player Teboho Mokoena featured in their 2-0 win over the Crocodile despite his accumulated yellow cards from Benin and Zimbabwe.

The world football governing body ruled that South Africa had breached the disciplinary code and ordered that the match be forfeited.

The decision has thrown the CAF qualification group C open, with Benin Republic now topping the table with 14 points, followed by South Africa with 14 points, and Nigeria occupies third place with 11 points.

Rohr shares thoughts on FIFA’s verdict

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has berated FIFA for their delay in sanctioning South Africa.

According to Super Sports, the German manager said Benin Republic face a herculean task in their two remaining matches.

Rohr said the three-point deduction could play a role in ensuring the Cheetahs qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA. He said:

“I am not too happy because the decision came late, six months after the offence was committed by South Africa.

“My team face two difficult games away to Rwanda and Nigeria, while South Africa will play their last two matches at home, and they would have played seven of their 10 games at home.

“Benin Republic need at least four points, and then we’ll see. I have been talking to the players for a while that if the law is enforced, we stand a better chance of getting back in the race.

“We will try to qualify for the World Cup, but we will try and stay humble, per Score Nigeria.”

Kilajolu agree with Rohr

Nigeria sports journalist Olalekan Kilajolu said pundits were beginning to doubt the integrity of FIFA following their delay in sanctioning South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.

Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Kilajolu explained that the qualifiers played in September would have been more competitive if the sanction had come earlier. He said:

“We are all excited with the news of FIFA sanctioning South Africa, but like Gernot Rohr said, it came very late. If the verdict came after the CAF qualification matches in March, the qualifiers in September would have been more interesting.”

Lesotho write FIFA

Legit.ng earlier reported that the secretary general of the Lesotho Football Association, Mokhosi Mohapi, confirmed that a letter has been written to FIFA after South Africa fielded an ineligible player against the Crocodiles.

Lesotho are currently 5th on the table with 6 points, but they could move to 9 should South Africa be sanctioned. Mohapi, however, admitted that the time to lodge a protest had passed.

Source: Legit.ng