FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo over fan misconduct during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff match played in November.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a disciplinary report released by the world football body, both countries were found to have breached provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code due to the behaviour of their supporters during the African qualifying playoff final, which was won by DR Congo on penalties.
The Nigeria Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after Nigerian fans 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.
Meanwhile, the Congolese Football Association received a heavier sanction of 5,000 Swiss francs after its supporters were found guilty of using laser pointers during the game, an act that contravened Article 17.2.d of the code.
FIFA noted that the sanctions were determined based on the circumstances surrounding each case and added that the rulings remain open to appeal.
The disciplinary report, however, did not address a separate protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the playoff.
The Nigerian federation had earlier petitioned FIFA, accusing the Congolese Football Association of misleading authorities during the clearance process for some players amid questions over their citizenship status.
According to the NFF, several players who featured for DR Congo in the playoff were allegedly fraudulently registered.
FIFA is yet to announce a decision on the complaint.
Meanwhile, DR Congo have already named their squad for the upcoming intercontinental playoff scheduled for later this month.
The team will face the winner of the match between the Jamaica national football team and the New Caledonia national football team, with the winner securing one of the final qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
