FIFA has ruled that South Africa forfeited its World Cup qualifier against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player.
The decision came on Monday after FIFA’s disciplinary committee reviewed the March 21 game in Polokwane. South Africa had won 2-0, but the result was overturned to a 3-0 defeat.
The ruling dropped South Africa to second place in Group C of the African Zone qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference. Lesotho remains in fifth place.
The committee found that South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing midfielder Teboho Mokoena. He was already suspended after receiving yellow cards against Benin and Zimbabwe.
As punishment, FIFA fined the South African Football Association 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536). The association has the right to appeal to the FIFA Appeals Committee.
