FIFA sanctions Nigeria and DR Congo over 2026 World Cup play-off incidents
FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Federation following disciplinary breaches during the 2026 World Cup African play-off final, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The match, played on November 16, 2025, saw DR Congo defeat Nigeria national football team 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report, Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss francs for security breaches, specifically the throwing of objects by spectators, under Article 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. DR Congo received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters were found using laser pointers and similar devices, violating Article 17.2.d of the code. Following the defeat, Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo.
The sanctions come amid heightened attention on FIFA’s pending decision regarding Nigeria’s complaint over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players. The Nigerian Football Federation argued that several foreign-born players, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku, and Cédric Bakambu, as well as substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens, had been cleared to play only days before the crucial match. The complaint, lodged on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to investigate and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process.
Meanwhile, as DR Congo prepares for the World Cup play-offs against the winner of the New Caledonia vs. Jamaica semi-final on March 31, the team has dropped two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, from its 26-man squad.
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