FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo following incidents involving supporters during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff match in November.
In a disciplinary report released by the global football governing body, both nations were found to have breached provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code because of fan misconduct during the African qualifying playoff final, which DR Congo won on penalties.
The Nigeria Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after its supporters were reported to have thrown objects onto the pitch during the match. FIFA ruled the incident violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of its disciplinary code.
The Congolese Football Association received a heavier 5,000 Swiss-franc fine after its fans were found guilty of using laser pointers during the game, an act FIFA said contravened Article 17.2.d of the code.
FIFA said the sanctions were determined based on the specific circumstances of each case and noted that the decisions remain subject to appeal.
The disciplinary report did not address a separate protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the playoff.
The NFF had earlier petitioned FIFA, accusing the Congolese FA of misleading authorities while clearing some players for the national team despite questions over their citizenship status. The Nigerian federation alleged that several players who featured in the playoff were fraudulently registered.
FIFA has yet to issue a ruling on that complaint.
Meanwhile, DR Congo has already named its squad for the upcoming intercontinental playoff later this month.
The team will face the winner of the match between the Jamaica national football team and the New Caledonia national football team, with the victor claiming one of the final places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
