Former coach of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has called on FIFA to quickly deduct three points and three goals from South Africa in the world cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
South Africa fielded Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 win over Lesotho, a game he was supposed to be suspended for after picking up two yellow cards in previous games of the qualifiers.
His ineligibility to play in the game was flagged by the Nigerian media and FIFA were duly notified despite the fact that no protest was lodged. A three points deduction is now likely to be hammered on them before the resumption of games in September.
Like we exclusively reported during the week, FIFA have already communicated to South Africa Football Association (SAFA) on the infringement and the possibility of a three points deduction, but it’s yet to be implemented.
Rohr who is now in charge of Benin Republic, who are the same group with South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Lesotho has called on FIFA to take the decision, because it’s clear and obvious that South Africa should lose three points.
The coach who was at the helm when Nigeria were docked three points in 2018 for a similar offence against Algeria in a dead rubber game, urged FIFA to make it clear before the resumption of games in the Qualifiers in September.
“I am calling on FIFA to make themselves clear on the points situation in our 2026 FIFAWorldCup 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”, he told veteran Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana from his base in France.
“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 too long to resolve what is a very straightforward matter. It should and must be resolved without further delay.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
