FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo over fan misconduct during their 2026 World Cup qualifying 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 following incidents involving supporters during the African qualifying playoff final, which DR Congo won on penalties.
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 said the action violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of its disciplinary code.
The Congolese Football Association received a heavier sanction, with a 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 said the penalties were determined based on the circumstances surrounding each case and added that the decisions remain open to appeal.
However, the disciplinary report made no reference to a separate protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the playoff.
The NFF had earlier petitioned FIFA, accusing the Congolese Football Association of misleading authorities while clearing some players for the national team despite questions surrounding their citizenship status.
According to the Nigerian federation, some of the players who featured for DR Congo in the playoff match were fraudulently registered. FIFA has yet to announce a decision on the complaint.
Meanwhile, DR Congo has named its squad for the intercontinental playoff scheduled later this month. The team will face the winner of the encounter 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.
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