Sports

FIFA fines Nigeria, DR Congo over World Cup play-off infractions

World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation over disciplinary incidents that occurred during their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final.

 

The sanctions were announced in FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for the World Cup qualifiers, four months after the controversial match played on November 16, 2025, in Morocco.

 

DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in the encounter to progress to the intercontinental play-offs.

 

According to FIFA, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after supporters were found guilty of throwing objects onto the field, an offence under Articles 17 and 17.2(b) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which relate to order and security at matches.

 

The DR Congo Football Federation received a heavier sanction of 5,000 Swiss francs after fans were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, in violation of Article 17.2(d) of the disciplinary code.

 

The disciplinary actions come amid lingering tensions following the match.

 

After the defeat, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo officials of engaging in spiritual manipulation, popularly described as voodoo, during the encounter.

 

The sanctions have also heightened anticipation over FIFA’s pending decision on a protest filed by the NFF, which alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the African play-off, particularly in the final.

Olayinka Babatunde

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