FIFA FINES NIGERIA, DR CONGO OVER FANS’ MISCONDUCT IN WORLD CUP PLAYOFF
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association over incidents involving supporters during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff match played in November.
In a disciplinary report released by the global football governing body, both countries were found to have breached provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code due to the behaviour of their fans during the African qualifying playoff final, which the DR Congo national football team won on penalties.
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The Nigeria Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after Nigerian supporters were reported to have thrown objects onto the pitch during the match. FIFA ruled that the incident violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of its disciplinary code.
The Congolese Football Association, however, received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after its supporters were found guilty of using laser pointers during the game, an act FIFA said contravened Article 17.2.d of the code.
FIFA stated that the sanctions were imposed after considering the specific circumstances of each case, adding that the rulings remain subject to appeal.
However, the disciplinary report did not address a separate protest submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation regarding the alleged use of ineligible players by the Congolese Football Association during the playoff.
The NFF had earlier petitioned FIFA, accusing the Congolese FA of misleading authorities while clearing certain players for national team duty despite concerns over their citizenship status.
According to the Nigerian federation, some of the players who featured for DR Congo national football team in the playoff match were fraudulently registered.
FIFA has not yet announced a decision on the complaint.
Meanwhile, DR Congo has already unveiled its squad for the upcoming intercontinental playoff scheduled for later this month.
The team is set to face the winner of the match between the Jamaica national football team and the New Caledonia national football team, with the victor earning one of the final qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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