2026 World Cup qualifying: Gernot Rohr calls on FIFA and CAF regarding South Africa

Gernot Rohr has publicly voiced his confusion at the silence from FIFA and CAF regarding a possible sanction against South Africa, which could shake up the Group C standings in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Benin’s head coach accuses Bafana Bafana of fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 2-0 win over Lesotho last March. An infraction that, in his view, should result in a three-point deduction.

“South Africa beat Lesotho? Fine, but the match that counts is the first leg, where they should be docked three points. The rules are clear. We don’t understand why FIFA and CAF haven’t ruled yet”, lamented Rohr after his Cheetahs’ 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, as quoted by Mega Sports.

The French-German coach insists: “It’s not normal. We have 11 points after this win. If South Africa lose three points, we’d be just two points back. What are they waiting for? It’s incomprehensible.”

While awaiting an official decision, the suspense remains intact in Group C, where Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda, and South Africa are all still in the hunt for the 2026 World Cup