President of CAF Patrice Motsepe has weighed in on the recent letter of apology by SA Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to FIFA concerning the recent points deduction suffered by Bafana Bafana.
Bafana Bafana were docked three points after fielding Teboho Mokoena in one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches against Lesotho in March, while he was supposed to serve a one-match ban.
The blunder nearly cost South Africa a spot at next year’s World Cup. However, South Africa finished top of Group C above Nigeria with only a one-point difference.
Following the administrative error by the SA Football Association [SAFA], Sport Minister McKenzie sent a letter to FIFA [dated October 16, 2025] expressing regret over the sanction and demanding accountability. This position directly contrasts with that of SAFA president Danny Jordaan, who declared the matter closed.
WHAT MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE SAID IN A LETTER SENT TO FIFA
He formally apologised to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and emphasised the government’s commitment to accountability and the integrity of football, while assuring no interference in the running of SAFA.
However, the letter has since divided public opinion, with some sections commending McKenzie’s stance while others believe FIFA could view the move as interference from the SA government and could subsequently put South Africa in trouble.
FIFA are very strict on government interference in the affairs of its member associations, as it’s a violation of its statutes.
CAF PRESIDENT MOTSEPE COMMENTS ON SA SPORTS MINISTER’S OFFICIAL LETTER TO FIFA
Motsepe underscored the delicate balance required between football bodies and government, implying that the sport minister’s communication must respect FIFA’s rules against government interference in football affairs.
“All of the countries on the continent, I think, there is a clear understanding of the role and the partnerships with government and the sovereignty of every nation,” said Motsepe at an event hosted by the South African National Editors’ Forum [SANEF] in Johannesburg on Friday.
“Football does not interfere with those sovereign matters of the country. The issues that relate to football are that the government does not interfere.
“So I would imagine what the Minister of Sports in South Africa’s communication with FIFA would have been within those strict perimeters,” he added.
“If there are any issues, then I am confident there would be discussions to make sure that the perimeters are respected.”
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