South Africa played to a 1-1 draw against Czechia on Thursday, securing a point in their Group A second game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, in the U.S.
South Africa’s opening group game at the AFCON is against Angola on December 22, followed by Egypt four days later.
SAFA was also ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 ($12,570) to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena was issued with a warning.
South Africa is not the first to lose points for violating FIFA rules by fielding an ineligible player in World Cup qualification.
FIFA’s decision on the case could significantly impact the group standings and determine the fate of the African qualifiers.
