By Nadia Ntiamoah
Global football governing body FIFA has imposed disciplinary sanctions on the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following crowd-related incidents during their contentious African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match, which ended in victory for the DR Congo national football team after a penalty shootout, has continued to generate debate not only for events on the pitch but also for off-field issues involving supporters and administrative disputes.
In its disciplinary report, FIFA confirmed that both football associations breached provisions of its code relating to fan behaviour during the match.
Nigerian supporters were found guilty of throwing objects onto the pitch, an act that violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations. As a result, the Nigerian federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier sanction after investigations established that its supporters used laser pointers during the match—an offence considered more serious under Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. FIFA subsequently fined the DR Congo Football Federation 5,000 Swiss francs.
FIFA emphasised that the penalties were based on the specific circumstances of each case and reiterated that both federations retain the right to appeal the decisions.
Despite addressing the misconduct of supporters, FIFA’s report did not resolve another major issue surrounding the fixture—an official protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation. The Nigerian FA has accused its Congolese counterpart of fielding ineligible players, alleging that questions remain over the citizenship status of certain individuals who featured in the match.
According to the complaint, some of the players in question were improperly cleared and went on to participate in the decisive play-off encounter. FIFA has yet to issue a ruling on this matter, leaving the dispute unresolved and adding another layer of uncertainty to the qualification process.
Meanwhile, the DR Congo national football team has shifted focus to the next stage of qualification, having already named its squad for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs.
The team is set to face the winner of a clash between the Jamaica national football team and the New Caledonia national football team, with a place at the 2026 World Cup at stake.
