The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has reportedly rescinded its decision to pursue a case against South Africa over the alleged fielding of an ineligible player in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

LFA General Secretary Mokhosi Mohapi had initially indicated that South Africa had breached the regulations and should face the consequences.

Bafana Bafana fielded Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena despite the player accumulating two yellow cards in the qualifying series.

Mokoena received his first booking during South Africa’s 2-1 home win against Benin Republic in November 2023, with the caution coming in the 54th minute. His second yellow card was issued during South Africa’s 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe in June 2024.

According to FIFA regulations, a player is ineligible to play in the next match after receiving two yellow cards in the qualifiers.

“If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match (in matches decided by penalties) or in two different matches of the competition, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” FIFA states in its rule book.

However, recent developments indicate that Lesotho will no longer pursue the case against South Africa due to financial constraints.

An LFA official also revealed that the country missed the 24-hour window required to file a complaint.

“The Lesotho Football Association will not pursue the case. I am told the whole ordeal would require too much money and resources, especially since we missed the 24-hour window to file a protest. This means we will not proceed with the complaint,” the official stated.

As a result, Bafana Bafana will maintain their 13-point lead at the top of Group C in the qualifiers.

WDN