FIFA fines Nigeria, DR Congo over fans’ misconduct during World Cup qualifying playoff
FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria Football Federation and Fédération Congolaise de Football Association following incidents involving supporters during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff match in November.
In its latest disciplinary report, FIFA confirmed that both national associations were found guilty of violating its disciplinary code due to fans’ behaviour during the African World Cup playoff final, which was won by Democratic Republic of the Congo on penalties.
According to the ruling, Nigerian supporters threw objects onto the pitch during the match. FIFA stated that the action breached Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Consequently, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese FA received a heavier penalty after FIFA ruled that its supporters used laser pointers during the game, an offence that violates Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. The federation was therefore fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
FIFA explained that each verdict was based on the particular merits and circumstances of the individual cases, adding that the rulings remain open to appeal.
However, the disciplinary summary made no mention of Nigeria’s protest regarding the alleged fielding of ineligible players by DR Congo, an issue the NFF reportedly raised after the match.
The NFF had submitted a petition to FIFA accusing the Congolese FA of deceit in clearing players for its national team despite their status allegedly contravening the country’s citizenship laws.
The federation further claimed that some of the “fraudulently registered” players featured for DR Congo during the playoffs.
FIFA has yet to issue a decision on the matter. Meanwhile, DR Congo has already announced its squad for the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for later this month.
DR Congo will face the winners of the match between Jamaica and New Caledonia, with the decisive fixture set to determine one of the final qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.