2026 WCQ: FIFA Penalized Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Deducts 3 Points Over Ineligible Player

Published

7 months ago

September 29, 2025

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2026 WCQ: FIFA Penalized Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Deducts 3 Points Over Ineligible Player—-The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup preliminary qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho on March 21, 2025.

According to FIFA, SAFA’s action breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations. As a result, the match has been forfeited in favour of Lesotho, with a 3-0 scoreline awarded.

In addition, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena himself has received an official warning.

The decision was formally communicated to the parties today. Under FIFA rules, they have ten days to request a detailed, motivated decision, which would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The ruling remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

Hugo Broos’ men currently sit at the top of their World Cup qualification Group C, having collected 17 points from eight games.

Bafana had a three-point gap to second-placed Benin, but have now been overtaken by the Squirrels after their 2-0 win against Lesotho was written off and resulted as 0-3 due to the administrative error.

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BREAKING: Saudi Arabia Sack Hervé Renard Two Months Before World Cup

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7 hours ago

April 18, 2026

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BREAKING: Saudi Arabia Sack Hervé Renard Two Months Before World Cup—-Saudi Arabia have dismissed head coach Hervé Renard in a shock decision less than two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed the move, bringing an abrupt end to Renard’s second spell in charge despite successfully guiding the team to qualification for the tournament.

The 57-year-old Frenchman, who previously led the team between 2019 and 2023, had returned in late 2024 after a stint with the France women’s national team. He is widely remembered for overseeing Saudi Arabia’s famous 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

Reports suggest the decision follows a series of disappointing results in recent friendlies, raising concerns about the team’s readiness ahead of the global tournament.

Renard confirmed his exit, acknowledging the timing but expressing pride in his achievements, including leading Saudi Arabia to multiple World Cup qualifications.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Saudi Arabia are now expected to appoint a replacement quickly, with Greek coach Georgios Donis reportedly among the leading candidates.

The sudden managerial change leaves the team facing a race against time to stabilise preparations ahead of their Group H fixtures against Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.

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JUST IN: Ex Chelsea Manager Frank Lampard Guides Coventry City to Historic Premier League Promotion After 25 Years

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8 hours ago

April 18, 2026

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JUST IN: Ex Chelsea Manager Frank Lampard Guides Coventry City to Historic Premier League Promotion After 25 Years—-Coventry City have secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, completing a remarkable turnaround under head coach Frank Lampard.

The Sky Blues confirmed their return to England’s top flight following a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers, with a late equaliser sealing the crucial point needed to clinch promotion.

Lampard, who took charge of the club in 2024, has overseen an impressive rise, guiding Coventry from mid-table struggles to Championship leaders. His side’s consistency throughout the 2025/26 season saw them build an unassailable lead at the top of the table, ultimately securing automatic promotion.

The achievement marks a major milestone for Coventry City, who last played in the Premier League during the 2000/01 season. After years of setbacks, including spells in the lower divisions, the club has now completed a long journey back to the elite level of English football.

For Lampard, the promotion represents one of the biggest successes of his managerial career, silencing critics and reaffirming his credentials after previous stints with Chelsea and Everton.

Celebrations erupted among players and fans alike, as Coventry’s return to the Premier League signals a new chapter for the historic club.

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