Gernot Rohr, the coach of Benin Republic, has expressed disappointment with FIFA and CAF over the amount of time it has taken for South Africa to be punished for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena. It was a match against Lesotho, but so far no points have been deducted.
Rohr made clear that the laws are very clear, commenting that teams are not meant to challenge eligibility decisions. He reiterated that there was a breach made and so far there is still nothing to say formally. This has left teams like Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda guessing.
Above all, Rohr considered that the South African points have been reduced by now. if South African had been punished and Benin now would have been just two points behind the group leader.
Furthermore, Rohr noted how unusual it is in world football for a qualification scenario to remain unresolved before key matches. He expressed his disbelief that, with so much at stake, the governing bodies could remain silent about such violations.
Meanwhile, international standards allow FIFA to act even without a formal protest—as it has in previous similar cases. Nonetheless, this process appears to have stalled, despite South Africa’s admission that an error occurred. Local media and stakeholders are urging FIFA to act promptly.
There is still some chances in the Group C table. South Africa currently leads the group, but there will be deductions given the above complaint.
As matches resume, Rohr’s call becomes more urgent—and the deadline for fair play draws nearer.