Teboho Mokoena saga: FIFA must enforce fair play without compromising protest protocols

In a scenario reminiscent of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's famous phrase, it is "squeaky bum time" for millions of African football fans.

News that the South African Football Association (SAFA) faces disciplinary proceedings initiated by FIFA has sent shockwaves through African football.

More than a year after an offence, FIFA has flagged the participation of Teboho Mokoena, an ineligible player, in a World Cup qualifying match. With the stakes high and the clock ticking, the tension is palpable among supporters vying for their nations' chances to qualify for next year's prestigious tournament, set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The ramifications of this decision are immense, with millions of fans from South Africa, Nigeria, and Benin anxiously holding their breath as the mystery unfolds amidst their countries' fierce bids for a coveted spot in next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

As it stands, Nigeria, South Africa, and Benin are vying for glory in CAF's Group C, a fiercely contested group where only the top team out of six will secure a spot in the World Cup. South Africa is currently leading the group with 17 points, followed closely by Benin with 14 points and Nigeria with 11 points after eight matches.

The controversy dates back to a match on November 18, 2023, when Mokoena was shown a yellow card against Benin. Almost 500 days later, on March 21, 2025, during a fixture against Lesotho, it became evident that Mokoena should have been serving a suspension stemming from subsequent disciplinary issues, including another yellow card received on June 11, 2024 against Zimbabwe.

Unaware of his ineligibility, Mokoena played, igniting outrage, particularly within Nigerian media circles, which pursued the issue fervently. However, due to specific deadlines for lodging complaints to FIFA or CAF having passed, legal protest avenues were no longer available.

In an admirable move of transparency, SAFA subsequently benched Mokoena for the match against Benin on March 25, 2025.

Amidst this backdrop, FIFA launched its own investigation ex officio — an action taken when the integrity of the competition is put at risk, irrespective of any official complaints from competing nations.

FIFA's regulations allow for independent action in cases of breaches, and the evidence surrounding Mokoena's ineligibility has captured the attention of the footballing world.

The legal considerations surrounding this case are complex. According to FIFA's stricter regulations, any formal protest must be lodged within 24 hours after the match, along with a protest fee of 1,000 Swiss Francs. No country followed this route.

However, FIFA has the authority to act independently should significant regulations be breached, irrespective of protest timelines. It is a tenuous position that presents SAFA and the broader footballing community with an almost unprecedented scenario.

FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer Emilio García Silvero, who previously found himself in the spotlight last June due to a landmark ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), is now faced with a challenge that has been predominantly highlighted through media channels rather than official avenues.

As such, the outcome of this investigation will not only test FIFA's protocols but also the broader integrity of the World Cup qualifying process, which is complex and intricate, especially considering Mokoena's participation in concurrent AFCON matches and other high-profile tournaments.

As tensions heighten, the expectation falls heavily on Silvero to dissect the situation with care, weighing the ethical implications of Mokoena's ineligibility disclosure, which has been significantly amplified by the media and a nation's desperate wish to secure World Cup qualifications.

This investigation carries the weight of potential sanctions against SAFA and a spotlight on the integrity of the ongoing qualification process. Intriguingly, while FIFA has implemented strict regulations regarding the submission of formal protests — requiring written complaints within 24 hours after the match — many are questioning the inconsistencies in the governing body's approach.

Can FIFA truly uphold the responsibilities of fair play while deviating from its own rules in this instance?