Fifa has sanctioned the national football teams of Nigeria and DR Congo following disciplinary incidents during their 2026 World Cup continental play-off in November last year.
According to the disciplinary overview released by Fifa’s judicial body, both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association (Fecofa) were found guilty of separate breaches during the match.
Fifa fined the NFF 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,270; £950) after determining that the federation had failed to ensure proper “order and security”, particularly following the “throwing of objects” by spectators during the game.
The incident was deemed a violation under Article 17.2.b and Article 17 of the Fifa disciplinary code.
The Congolese FA received a heavier sanction of 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters were found to have used “laser pointers or similar electronic devices”, which constitutes a breach of Article 17.2.d.
The BBC has contacted both NFF and Fecofa for comment and is waiting to hear back.
Nigeria wait on Fifa’s verdict
The African play-off final, played on 16 November 2025 in the Moroccan city of Rabat, ended in dramatic fashion as DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties after extra time following a 1-1 draw.
The result dashed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the Fifa World Cup for the first time since 2018.
Moments before Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo officials of attempting to use voodoo.
In the aftermath of the defeat, the NFF lodged a formal protest with Fifa, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had switched international allegiance.
Nigeria’s complaint centres on domestic laws in DR Congo that reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults. This raised questions over the eligibility of Premier League players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom featured in the match.
With just two weeks remaining before the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico to decide which countries qualify for the World Cup finals, the sanctions have heightened anticipation surrounding Fifa’s decision on the NFF’s protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo.
However, Fifa has included DR Congo in the fixtures for the upcoming intercontinental World Cup play-offs. They are set to face the winner of the match between New Caledonia and Jamaica on 31 March.
Leopards head coach Sebastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad, with Yoane Wissa returning after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury.
DR Congo are hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.
Up to 10 African nations could qualify to participate in the expanded global tournament in North America.
BBC
