FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents that occurred during their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final. DR Congo beat Nigeria 43 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental play-offs. According to FIFAs latest disciplinary overview released for the World Cup qualifiers, both the NFF and the Congolese FA were found guilty of separate infractions during the match played on November 16, 2025. FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and the NFF was consequently fined 1,000 Swiss francs. On their part, the DR Congo federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a 5,000 Swiss franc fine on the Congolese body. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo in the wake of the defeat. The sanctions come as Nigeria continues to await the anticipated verdict of the worlds football governing body over the NFFs protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final. Nigeria lodged the complaint after losing the African play-off, arguing that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players. The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process. The Nigerian federations document listed numerous foreign-born players who featured against the Super Eagles, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngalayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanal Mbuku, and Cdric Bakambu in the starting line-up, as well as substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gdon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens. In the complaint, released publicly by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Nigeria argued that several players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match, despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.The post FIFA sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo over WCup play-off infractions appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog. FIFA sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo over WâCup play-off infractions
.png)
18 hours ago
1
FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents that occurred during their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final. DR Congo beat Nigeria 43 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental play-offs. According to FIFAs latest disciplinary overview released for the World Cup qualifiers, both the NFF and the Congolese FA were found guilty of separate infractions during the match played on November 16, 2025. FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and the NFF was consequently fined 1,000 Swiss francs. On their part, the DR Congo federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a 5,000 Swiss franc fine on the Congolese body. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo in the wake of the defeat. The sanctions come as Nigeria continues to await the anticipated verdict of the worlds football governing body over the NFFs protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final. Nigeria lodged the complaint after losing the African play-off, arguing that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players. The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process. The Nigerian federations document listed numerous foreign-born players who featured against the Super Eagles, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngalayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanal Mbuku, and Cdric Bakambu in the starting line-up, as well as substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gdon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens. In the complaint, released publicly by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Nigeria argued that several players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match, despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.The post FIFA sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo over WCup play-off infractions appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog. 
