South Africa have been handed a blow in their hopes of qualifying for a first World Cup in 16 years.

The 2010 hosts have been stripped of three points for fielding an ineligible player during their match against Lesotho in March.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena appeared in the 2-0 victory despite being suspended for accumulating two yellow cards.

As a result, FIFA's disciplinary committee has now overturned the result and handed Lesotho a 3-0 win.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has also been fined £9,340.

FIFA have given SAFA ten days to appeal against the decision.

In a statement, the nation's governing body said: "As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording

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