 |
| Gernot Rohr |
Former Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, has urged FIFA to promptly deduct three points and three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho during the March World Cup qualifier, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.
The player in question, Teboho Mokoena, should have been suspended after receiving two yellow cards in earlier qualifying matches. Nigerian media flagged his ineligibility, and FIFA was notified, even though no formal protest was filed. FIFA has since informed the South African Football Association (SAFA) of the infringement and the possible penalty, but no action has yet been taken.
Rohr, now head coach of Benin Republic—who share the same qualifying group with South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho—insists FIFA must act swiftly.
“I am calling on FIFA to make themselves clear on the points situation… South Africa used an ineligible player… which means they must lose three points and three goals to Lesotho,” Rohr told veteran Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana from France.
He stressed that clarity is needed before qualifiers resume in September:
“With the remaining qualifiers set to begin soon, it is imperative, in the interest of fair play, for all the teams… to know where they legitimately stand… I am surprised that FIFA is taking too long to resolve what is a very straightforward matter.”