The Confederation of African Football (CAF) won’t be involved in any decision that world football governing body FIFA will take against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their world cup qualifiers 2-0 win over Lesotho.
South Africa risk a three points, three goals deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena in the game against Lesotho, when he was supposed to be suspended after picking up two yellow cards in previous games.
In previous similar cases FIFA has punished teams who field an ineligible player with a three points and three goals deduction. But they are fears in Nigeria that the influence of CAF President Patrick Motsepe could make this case a bit different.
“Motsepe can only agree to whatever FIFA decides because It’s not a CAF case. It’s all in the hands of FIFA to apply the rule and punish South Africa like they have always done in previous cases. I don’t think this will be any different”, a source in CAF said in response to a conversation in a Whatsapp group where he is a member.
The expected point deduction will breathe life into the hope of the senior national team of Nigeria in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as it will reduce the point gap to three and with a game to come in South Africa.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
