FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo following incidents involving supporters during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff match played in November.
In a disciplinary report released by the world football governing body, both countries were found to have breached provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code due to the conduct of their fans during the African qualifying playoff final.
The match was won by the DR Congo national football team on penalties against the Nigeria national football team.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after Nigerian supporters reportedly threw objects onto the pitch during the match.
FIFA ruled that the action violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of its disciplinary code.
The governing body emphasised that teams are responsible for the behaviour of their supporters during official matches.
DR Congo Fans Sanctioned For Laser Pointer Use
The Congolese Association Football Federation received a heavier penalty of 5,000 Swiss francs after its supporters were found guilty of using laser pointers during the game.
According to FIFA, the act contravened Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code, which prohibits the use of laser devices that could distract or endanger players and officials.
FIFA noted that the sanctions were imposed after reviewing the circumstances of each incident.
The decisions remain open to appeal by the affected federations.
FIFA Silent On Nigeria’s Eligibility Protest
The disciplinary report did not address a separate protest filed earlier by the NFF.
Nigeria had lodged a petition accusing the Congolese federation of fielding players whose eligibility was questionable.
The NFF claimed that some players who represented DR Congo during the playoff had issues relating to their citizenship status and clearance to switch national teams.
FIFA has yet to announce a ruling on that complaint.
DR Congo Prepares For Intercontinental Play-off
Despite the ongoing dispute, DR Congo has already named its squad for the intercontinental playoff later this month.
The Congolese side will face the winner of the encounter between the Jamaica national football team and the New Caledonia national football team.
The winner of that tie will secure one of the final qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
