Patrice Motsepe subtly warns Gayton McKenzie about government intererence after letter to FIFA over Teboho Mokoena issue

Bafana Bafana were docked three points by FIFA after fielding a suspended player Teboho Mokoena in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.

It almost cost South Africa a place at the World Cup with SAFA being blamed for the blunder.

South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has written to FIFA while stating he is not interfering in SAFA matters but demanding accountability from the Danny Jordaan-led organisation.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has commented on this action.

“This administrative oversight, unfortunately, brought South African football into disrepute,” wrote McKenzie to FIFA.

“It is not my intention, nor that of my department, to interfere in the administration of football, which we recognise as the sole purview of FIFA and SAFA. 

"However, as a nation, we are deeply committed to upholding the integrity of the game and maintaining South Africa’s reputation on the global stage.”

“All countries on the continent, there is a clear understanding of the role and partnerships with governments and the sovereignty of every nation,” said Motsepe as per Times Live.

“Football does not interfere with those sovereign matters of every country. The issue that relates to football is that governments should not interfere, so I would imagine what the minister of sport in South Africa is communicating with Fifa will be within strict parameters.

“If there are any issues, I am confident there will be discussions to make sure that those parameters are respected.”

SAFA and McKenzie are on a collision course over the Mokoena saga, as the local football governing body said it's now water under the bridge, while the minister insists it's not yet over.

That sets the stage for a potential showdown between the two parties and heads amid anticipation to see if heads will roll at SAFA.