The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has made a fresh announcement after the world's football governing body sanctioned South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana were docked three points, three goals and fined for fielding an ineligible player during their game against Lesotho on March 21.
Teboho Mokoena, who had received yellow cards in two previous matches and should have served a match suspension, was in the starting lineup as they won 2-0.
After six months amid calls for sanctions, FIFA announced that Bafana Bafana have forfeited the game as South Africa dropped from 17 points to 14.
Consequently, Benin Republic, who are on 14 points, go top of the table with a better goal difference, while Nigeria are third with 11 points alongside Rwanda.
Days after the ruling, FIFA president announced that Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will co-host the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The football administrator said via IG:
"I am delighted to announce that today the FIFA Council decided to award the host of FIFA U20 World Cup 2027 to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
"Congratulations to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, two fantastic countries, two great football-loving countries who have experience in organising big events generally, but also of course in sports."
Azerbaijan has already hosted the U17 Women's World Cup; Uzbekistan hosted the Futsal World Cup only last year.
Proud Moment!
— Emin Rustamov (@DEminrustamov) October 2, 2025
Azerbaijan and brotherly Uzbekistan will jointly host the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 — a testament to both nations' growing role in the global sports arena.
Looking forward to welcoming the world and celebrating the power of youth and unity through football! ⚽🌍🇦🇿🇺🇿 pic.twitter.com/FUZiefljLP
A great commitment, a great support from the top - from the heads of state to every football fan in these two countries, per Kuz.
The U20 World Cup is considered the second most prestigious competition organised by FIFA, after the World Cup for senior national teams.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup has been held since 1977. Past winners include Argentina (six titles), Brazil (five), Portugal (two), Serbia (two), as well as Uruguay, Ghana, Spain, the USSR, Germany, England, France, and Ukraine.
Currently, the ongoing edition of the tournament is being played in Chile, featuring 24 teams. Uzbekistan is not among the participants this year.
