Former FIFA official Raymond Hack has raised concerns over the delay in FIFA’s decision regarding South Africa’s alleged fielding of an ineligible player during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

South Africa secured a 2-0 victory in the match, but midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured despite reportedly accumulating two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers — a situation that ordinarily triggers suspension. Lesotho swiftly lodged a protest, demanding the match be forfeited in their favour with a 3-0 scoreline and the corresponding three points.

Hack explained that the standard sanction in such cases is a forfeit, accompanied by a fine and possible disciplinary measures. He admitted confusion as to why FIFA’s ruling has not yet been issued, especially given the potential impact on Group C standings.

He further noted that the lack of an immediate in-match protest could be complicating the disciplinary process, but insisted that quicker judgments have been seen in other cases. Hack drew comparisons to swift resolutions in club football disputes, such as the Manchester United vs Grimsby case, where sanctions were promptly enforced.

The delay has sparked debate over FIFA’s procedural consistency and left both nations awaiting clarity on a decision that could reshape the group’s qualification picture.