Four months after the heated 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final, FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation (FECOFA) for disciplinary breaches during the match, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The match, played on November 16, 2025, in Morocco, saw DR Congo defeat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
FIFA’s disciplinary review found Nigeria guilty of a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically the throwing of objects by spectators, in violation of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
DR Congo faced a heavier sanction after supporters were found using laser pointers and similar electronic devices, breaching Article 17.2.d, resulting in a 5,000 Swiss francs fine.
The sanctions come amid Nigeria’s ongoing protest over the eligibility of several DR Congo players. The NFF submitted a petition on December 15, 2025, claiming that DR Congo misled FIFA to secure nationality switches for multiple overseas-born players just days before the decisive match. The complaint listed players including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, and Cédric Bakambu, among others.
Read Also;
Congo DR Coach Desabre Confident as Team Prepares for World Cup Qualifier
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo rituals following the defeat, further fueling tensions.
While DR Congo prepares for the World Cup play-offs against the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31, they have dropped two of the disputed players—Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens—from their 26-man squad.
The FIFA sanctions mark another chapter in the controversy surrounding the African play-off final, as Nigeria awaits a ruling on the eligibility protest that could have major implications for the team’s World Cup hopes.
