September 29, (THEWILL) — FIFA has imposed sanctions on the South African Football Association following the fielding of an ineligible player during a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in March 2025. The decision has immediate consequences for South Africa’s position in Group C of the African qualifying zone. The ruling is a mild setback for South Africa’s hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament. The disciplinary committee found that the South African FA violated Article 19 of FIFA’s code and Article 14 of the World Cup preliminary competition regulations. The sanction adds to recent administrative difficulties for South African football and raises questions about internal compliance procedures.