Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) have been sanctioned by FIFA following incidents involving supporters during their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff match in November.
In its latest disciplinary report, FIFA said both football associations were found to have breached its disciplinary code due to fans’ behaviour during the African World Cup playoff final, which DR Congo won on penalties.
According to the ruling, Nigerian fans threw objects onto the pitch during the match, an act that violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the Nigeria Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese Football Federation received a heavier sanction after FIFA determined that its supporters used laser pointers during the game, breaching Article 17.2.d of the code. The federation was consequently fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
FIFA said the decisions were made based on the specific circumstances of each case, noting that the rulings remain open to appeal.
However, the disciplinary summary did not address Nigeria’s protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo, an issue the NFF reportedly raised after the match.
The Nigerian federation had submitted a petition to FIFA accusing the Congolese FA of misleading authorities in clearing certain players for the national team despite questions surrounding their eligibility under the country’s citizenship laws.
According to the NFF, some of the players it described as “fraudulently registered” featured for DR Congo during the playoffs.
FIFA has yet to rule on the matter, while DR Congo has already named its squad for the upcoming intercontinental playoffs scheduled later this month.
DR Congo will face the winner of the match between Jamaica and New Caledonia, with the victor securing one of the final qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.