Former Super Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr, has urged FIFA to make a final decision to deduct three points and three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers in March.

In a chat with veteran journalist Osasu Obayiuwana from his base in France, Rohr called on FIFA to wield the big stick on South Africa for fielding Teboho Mokoena in a game for which he was supposed to be suspended after picking up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers.
The gaffe by the South African Football Association (SAFA) was flagged by the Nigerian media, and FIFA was duly notified.

A three-point deduction is now likely to be handed down to Bafana Bafana before the resumption of games in September after the world soccer-governing body informed SAFA about the infringement and the possibility of a three-point deduction, but it has yet to be enforced.

“I am calling on FIFA to make themselves clear on the points situation in our 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, as South Africa used an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier, which means they must lose three points and three goals to the opponent of the said match, Lesotho,” Rohr said.

“With the remaining qualifiers set to begin soon, it is imperative, in the interest of fair play, for all the teams in our World Cup qualifying group to know where they legitimately stand, before we start to play.

“I am surprised that FIFA is taking so long to resolve what is a very straightforward matter. It should and must be resolved without further delay.”