Gernot Rohr: Ex-Super Eagles Coach Blasts FIFA, CAF Over 3-Point Deduction for South Africa
by Chukwu Ikechukwu, https://www.facebook.com/legitngnews · Legit.ng News · Join- Gernot Rohr has questioned why FIFA and CAF have not deducted points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player
- The apparent delay has left Group C in confusion, with Nigeria, Benin and Rwanda unsure of their qualification chances
- South Africa is currently top of the qualifying group with 16 points, five points ahead of Benin, and six points above Nigeria
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Benin Republic national team coach Gernot Rohr has slammed FIFA and CAF for failing to act on a disciplinary case involving South Africa fielding an ineligible player.
Bafana Bafana had fielded suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21, 2025, an offence that should carry a three-point deduction.
Months later, however, no ruling has been issued by the football body, leaving Group C undecided, with South Africa, who are top of the group, unsure of their status.
Former Super Eagles coach Rohr, speaking after Benin’s narrow 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, expressed his frustration at the unexplained delay, according to the Daily Post.
“South Africa won against Lesotho? Okay, but the match that matters is the first leg, where they have to lose the three points. It is very clear. The rules are very, very clear."
Rohr said it was unclear why both FIFA and CAF had not yet taken points away from Bafana Bafana, admitting that the other teams did not know where they stood.
"It is not normal... We have 11 points after this match today. South Africa has to lose three points and then we will be only two points behind our opponent. What are they waiting for? I don’t know. It is incomprehensible.”
How will FIFA sanction affect Group C?
South Africa is currently top of Group C with 16 points after seven games, five points ahead of Benin in second, while Nigeria sit third with 10 points, according to FIFA.
However, the entire group standings could shift dramatically if the football governing body goes ahead to sanction Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player.
A three-point deduction would cut South Africa’s lead at the top, bringing them level with Nigeria should the Super Eagles beat them later today (September 9, 2025).
Meanwhile, Rohr’s Benin would also be right in the mix to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, sitting just two points behind South Africa.
On his part, Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has urged FIFA to avoid bowing to pressure over the points and remains focused on the task at hand, according to The Citizen.
Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda all waiting for FIFA
For Nigeria, a victory over South Africa on Tuesday under growing pressure will put the Super Eagles closer to the top spot in Group C.
If FIFA deducts points, the group could be blown wide open, with two teams suddenly given a big shot at overtaking South Africa.
Only the group winners automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
According to NBC Sports, the three co-hosts and defending champions Argentina will be joined by Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, South Korea, Australia, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Morocco, and Tunisia so far.
Oliseh confident FIFA will sanction South Africa
Legit.ng also reported that a former Nigerian international had stated that South Africa is in trouble for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.
Sunday Oliseh believes that it would only be a matter of time before FIFA wielded the hammer on Bafana Bafana for their World Cup qualifiers error.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.