FIFA Sanctions Nigeria and DR Congo Over Infractions During 2026 World Cup Play-Off
Abuja — The world football governing body, FIFA, has imposed sanctions on the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary breaches recorded during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off match.
The penalties come months after the controversial fixture between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and DR Congo, which ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the global tournament.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report, both football bodies were found guilty of separate offences committed during the match played on November 16, 2025, in Morocco.
Sanction Against Nigeria
FIFA sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation after spectators were found guilty of throwing objects onto the pitch during the match, an action that violates the organisation’s disciplinary code relating to safety and order at football venues.
As a result, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs by FIFA for the incident.
Penalty for DR Congo
The Congolese football federation received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after their supporters were accused of using laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.
FIFA said the action contravened its disciplinary rules, which prohibit behaviour that could disrupt players or compromise the integrity of the game.
Background to the Dispute
The sanctions follow the dramatic World Cup qualifying play-off between Nigeria and DR Congo, which ended 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation and extra time.
Following the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal protest to FIFA questioning the eligibility of some DR Congo players who featured in the match. The federation argued that certain players may not have met nationality requirements under Congolese law.
The complaint remains part of the broader dispute surrounding the match, although DR Congo has already advanced to the next stage of the World Cup qualification process.
The sanctions by FIFA are separate from the eligibility petition filed by Nigeria and relate strictly to disciplinary incidents that occurred during the play-off match.