Benin FA urges CAF to reconsider South Africa’s 3 points deduction

The Benin Football Federation (FBF) has appealed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a fair review of the three-point deduction imposed on South Africa in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The issue stems from FIFA’s ongoing investigation into South Africa’s use of Teboho Mokoena in a qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year, despite the midfielder reportedly being ineligible after accumulating two yellow cards in previous matches.

If upheld, the sanction could see Bafana Bafana forfeit points, handing Lesotho a 3-0 win and tightening the race for qualification in Group C, where Nigeria and Benin are also contenders.

In a statement shared on social media, the FBF thanked CAF for congratulating Benin on their victory, but stressed the importance of upholding fairness and transparency in the qualification process.

“Thank you @CAF\_Online for congratulating us on our victory! We kindly request a fair review: please reconsider the 3-point deduction against South Africa and respect suspension rules. Let the spirit of the game decide qualification,” the federation wrote.

The FBF’s appeal highlights growing tensions as the group edges closer to its conclusion, with every point potentially decisive for a World Cup spot.

CAF and FIFA are yet to issue a final ruling on the matter.