Legal expert urges South Africa to focus on qualifiers, not courtroom battles

A South African sports lawyer has warned the South African Football Association (SAFA) that challenging FIFA’s ruling over the use of an ineligible player would be futile and costly.South Africa’s bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup received a blow when they were docked points by FIFA but whose duty was it to ensure the ineligible player was not fielded?

The decision awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory, reshaping the race in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Appeal is going nowhere – Legal opinion

Speaking to local media, the lawyer described SAFA’s intention to contest the punishment as misguided.He advised SAFA to redirect resources towards ensuring strong performances in the remaining fixtures rather than engaging in what he termed “a dead-end legal battle.”

Impact on Super Eagles’ chances

The sanction against South Africa has dramatically opened up Group C, where Benin Republic currently lead with 14 points, followed by Bafana Bafana on the same tally but with an inferior goal difference.

Nigeria sit behind them, hoping to take advantage of the reshuffle.