2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Raymond Hack Explains Why FIFA May Not Sanction South Africa

Raymond Hack, a well-known attorney and sports administrator, has expressed his concern about FIFA’s delay in ruling against South Africa for allegedly fielding an ineligible player during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Hack noted that FIFA might be hesitating to penalize South Africa because Lesotho, the nation directly affected, did not officially lodge a protest. According to him, this lack of immediate objection could influence FIFA’s disciplinary process and potentially allow the case to drag on without a clear resolution.

FIFA’s Silence Sparks Reactions

The incident has generated confusion among football fans and other Group C nations, who are baffled by FIFA’s reluctance to issue a ruling. Supporters argue that the governing body must urgently clarify the eligibility issue surrounding South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

Mokoena was suspended after accumulating multiple yellow cards but controversially played in South Africa’s March qualifier against Lesotho, which they won. This sparked debate about whether the win should stand or be overturned.

If FIFA decides to dock South Africa three points, it could drastically alter the Group C standings in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The group features competitive teams such as Nigeria, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. Any shift in points could reshape qualification hopes for these nations.

Hack’s Legal Perspective

Speaking on SuperSport, Hack highlighted the possible consequences of using an ineligible player:

• The team faces automatic fines.
• The match points are forfeited.
• A disciplinary committee review can escalate the matter further.

Hack explained:

“The allegation is that the player was ineligible to play, so he played for Bafana Bafana against Lesotho. If a player is suspended but still takes part, the rules are clear—the team must forfeit the three points, the result changes to a 3–0 defeat, and there’s an additional fine.”

However, Hack pointed out that FIFA’s silence remains unusual. He argued that two possible scenarios might explain the delay:

1. Lesotho did not file an official protest, leaving FIFA to decide whether to act on a separate complaint.
2. The disciplinary committee may be treating the case differently, but the rules still recognize the player as ineligible, regardless of when the violation is discovered.

Hack compared the case to legal proceedings, noting:

“It’s like committing a crime but not being caught immediately. Even if you’re discovered later, the law still applies, and you can be punished.”

Comparisons to Other Football Cases

Hack recalled a recent English football case between Manchester United and Grimsby, where an ineligible player was involved. FIFA made a decision within four days, proving that such cases can be resolved quickly.

This, according to Hack, makes FIFA’s delay in South Africa’s situation appear even more questionable.

What It Means for Group C and African Football

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers heating up, the uncertainty has left Group C nations in suspense. Should South Africa lose points, teams like Nigeria and Benin Republic could benefit significantly in the race for qualification.

Football analysts argue that FIFA must act swiftly to preserve fairness and transparency in international competitions. Any delay, they say, risks undermining the credibility of the qualifiers.