'What are they waiting for?' – Rohr questions CAF and Fifa over Bafana Bafana points deduction

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has called on CAF and Fifa to take decisive action against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 

Speaking after Benin’s 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe, Rohr expressed frustration over the delay in enforcing a potential three-point deduction that could affect Group C standings.

The controversy stems from South Africa fielding a player who should have been suspended due to prior yellow card accumulation. 

Despite this, Mokoena participated in the fixture against Lesotho, prompting calls from other teams for disciplinary action. 

CAF and Fifa have yet to issue an official ruling, leaving other Group C teams, including Nigeria and Benin, uncertain about their World Cup qualification prospects.

"South Africa won against Lesotho? Okay, but the match that matters is the first leg, where they have to lose the three points," Rohr was quoted as saying by Mega Sports. 

"It's very clear. The rules are very, very clear. We don't know why FIFA and CAF haven't yet decided to take the points away from them. It's not normal. We don't know where we stand ."

He added: "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's incomprehensible."

South Africa remains top of Group C, but Rohr’s comments reflect growing frustration with the perceived inaction of football’s governing bodies. 

A three-point deduction could significantly alter the race at the top of the group, potentially benefiting Benin and Nigeria in their pursuit of a World Cup berth.

Wale Adejumo

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