SA Sports Minister Writes To FIFA Over Bafana Bafana Points Deduction Debacle

South Africa’s Sports Minister Writes To FIFA On Bafana Bafana Debacle

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has penned a forceful letter to FIFA and SAFA over the Bafana Bafana points deduction fiasco. He demands answers, accountability, and concedes embarrassment for the nation’s reputation.

McKenzie’s letter: an apology, an investigation, and demands

In his formal statement, McKenzie acknowledged the decision by FIFA and expressed deep regret. He wrote:

“As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I have taken note of the recent decision by FIFA to deduct three points from Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and fine SAFA 10,000 Swiss Francs (about R215,000). This development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football.”

He went on to affirm a public commitment to transparency and accountability:

“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences.”

This letter to FIFA and SAFA mirrored what he also stated publicly:

“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it.”

What the blunder was — and its fallout

The deduction centred on a match on 21 March 2025, in Polokwane, between South Africa and Lesotho. Bafana Bafana won 2–0 on the day. But Teboho Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards and was therefore supposed to serve a suspension; he was nonetheless fielded. FIFA ruled this a breach of Article 19 of the Disciplinary Code and forfeited the match, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory.

South Africa lost three points and saw its qualification standing shaken. SAFA lodged an appeal to overturn the ruling.

Despite this drama, Bafana Bafana closed out their campaign strongly, beating Rwanda 3–0 in Mbombela to clinch top spot in their group.

McKenzie doubles down: “No matter is closed”

While SAFA President Danny Jordaan has publicly declared the issue closed, McKenzie has pushed back. In a post on X, he said:

“We can’t leave this matter unattended. What have we learned from this?”
“We are a country with rules, and Brand SA was hurt tremendously by this blunder. No matter is closed – it’s opening now.”

He also insisted:

“Whoever is responsible must face the full might of the law.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to oversight with these words:

“What I am saying is that under my ministry this matter will not be swept under the carpet.”