Sports Minister McKenzie Demands FIFA & SAFA Report Over Mokoena Yellow Card Controversy
- Gayton McKenzie has taken action regarding the Teboho Mokoena yellow card incident that rocked Bafana Bafana's World Cup qualifiers
- His move clashes with the position of SAFA, which have said no further action will be taken regarding the case
- Football fans reacted strongly to McKenzie's latest move, with some fearing it could invite a ban from FIFA
- Briefly News had an exclusive interview with a football analyst Mandla Biyela on the Minister's move and what it means for SA football
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, on Friday, 17 October 2025, wrote two letters, one to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the other to FIFA, demanding a detailed report on the yellow card issue involving Teboho Mokoena.
The incident occurred in March during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers when Bafana Bafana fielded Mokoena, who was ineligible.
Source: Twitter
FIFA has already ruled that South Africa was in the wrong, deducting three points and issuing a fine. The current sticking point, however, is accountability for the administrative blunder that nearly cost South Africa World Cup qualification.
Mokoena spoke openly about the emotional toll of the past six months, revealing that he had not been able to discuss the matter publicly.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Getty Images
McKenzie wants accountability on the issue
While the SAFA President has stated that the case is closed, McKenzie insists there must be accountability, and action will follow. His letters to SAFA and FIFA on Friday reflect this position.
South Africans react strongly to his actions
The move has sparked a division among South African football fans. Reactions on social media show the spectrum of opinions:
@gndzongana:
"Very good, it's time for Jordaan to go."
@ZukzFranco:
"He must stay away from interfering with FIFA affairs. Instead, he must prepare for the Madlanga Commission because he knows too much about the criminal underworld."
@luyolomkentane:
"Good for accountability and consequence management!"
@SakiSoul:
"This minister is risking the possibility of political interference charges by FIFA. He must deal with SAFA."
@lweiiiii:
"McKenzie’s letters to SAFA and FIFA are bold, but FIFA hates government meddling; it could spell trouble for SA football."
@nyambenis:
"FIFA picks and chooses; that is why Russia is not playing, but God’s special children are playing. SAFA must account. Eeeeeeh"
@LincolnLumbe:
"Be careful what you wish for AKA."
Watch the video below:
@Amani0443:
"Why didn't he do it before? It's late now."
@ThaaBLaa:
"Politician and FIFA don’t mix. He could get Bafana Bafana suspended from the World Cup. He needs to sit down."
@NamedInstigator:
"People complaining about this are basically saying it's fine for Jordaan to continue doing as he pleases at SAFA without consequence. How SAFA is managed directly affects the ministry and the country’s image. I may not be a fan of Gayton, but something had to be said."
@noahchitawa:
"FIFA does not entertain government intervention in the running of football affairs. They will not take that letter seriously, and the minister must proceed carefully, as any perceived interference could lead not only to a points deduction but to a full ban."
Analyst weighs in on accountability versus interference
Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, football analyst Mandla Biyela welcomed Gayton McKenzie’s insistence on accountability, describing it as “a necessary push for transparency” in South African football governance. However, he cautioned that the Minister must tread carefully to avoid creating the perception of political interference.
“McKenzie’s demand for accountability is understandable and even commendable,” Biyela said.
“South Africans deserve answers when administrative mistakes affect the national team, especially when those errors cost points and tarnish the country’s image. But there’s a fine line between demanding accountability and interfering in football administration, and that line must be respected.”
He added that FIFA’s regulations are explicit in prohibiting third-party influence in national football matters, regardless of intent.
“FIFA has suspended nations before for less,” Biyela noted.
“Even if McKenzie’s intentions are good, direct correspondence with FIFA from a government minister can easily be interpreted as political meddling. If this isn’t handled diplomatically, it could undo the progress Bafana Bafana have made and damage South Africa’s international standing.”
Biyela proposed that a collaborative approach could yield better results than confrontation, suggesting a joint review between SAFA and the Department of Sport.
“A joint task team could demand transparency while still respecting FIFA’s autonomy clauses,” he explained.
“That way, South Africa can pursue accountability without breaching international football protocols.”
He concluded by saying that McKenzie’s bold stance should serve as a wake-up call rather than a declaration of conflict.
“This moment should inspire real reform within SAFA not a standoff between the Ministry and FIFA,” Biyela said.
“If handled constructively, it could be the turning point that restores trust and professionalism in South African football.”
McKenzie’s push for accountability has ignited a national debate on the role of government in football administration, with opinions being sharply divided between calls for transparency and concerns over political interference.
See the video below:
FIFA President sends a heartfelt message to South Africa
Briefly News previously reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino extended his congratulations, acknowledging South Africa’s return to the international spotlight.
Bafana Bafana’s qualification not only reflects their growth on the pitch under Hugo Broos but also reignites hope and excitement among South African football fans, signalling the start of a new era of national pride and international competition.
Source: Briefly News
