FIFA Imposes Sanctions on Nigeria and DR Congo Over World Cup Play-off Incidents

Disciplinary Actions Taken

FIFA has imposed sanctions on the national football associations of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) following disciplinary incidents that arose during their 2026 World Cup continental play-off held in November of the previous year. A report released by FIFA’s disciplinary body detailed that both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association (Fecofa) were found to have committed distinct violations during the match.

FIFA penalized the NFF with a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately $1,270 or £950) because the federation failed to maintain adequate “order and security,” particularly after spectators threw objects onto the field during the game. This incident was classified as a violation under Article 17.2.b and Article 17 of FIFA’s disciplinary code.

In contrast, the Congolese FA faced a more severe penalty of 5,000 Swiss francs, as fans reportedly used “laser pointers or similar electronic devices,” breaching Article 17.2.d. FIFA has reached out to both the NFF and Fecofa for their comments and is awaiting their responses.

Nigeria Awaits FIFA’s Decision

The decisive African play-off match took place on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, and concluded with DR Congo emerging victorious, winning 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. This result dashed Nigeria’s aspirations to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2018.

Leading up to the final penalty, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo officials of attempting to use voodoo on the Nigerian players when their captain, Chancel Mbemba, successfully scored the final kick.

Following the defeat, the NFF filed an official complaint with FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had changed their national allegiance. This protest relates to the domestic laws in DR Congo, which reportedly do not recognize dual citizenship for adults, raising concerns about the eligibility of Premier League players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who played in the match.

With only two weeks left before the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico that will determine which teams qualify for the World Cup finals, the newly imposed sanctions have intensified the focus on FIFA’s response to Nigeria’s protest about the alleged ineligibility of players from DR Congo.

Nevertheless, FIFA has included DR Congo in the lineup for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs, where they will go up against the winner of the match between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31.

DR Congo’s head coach, Sebastien Desabre, has named a squad of 26 players, including Yoane Wissa, who is making a return after sidelined by a knee injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Leopards are aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 when they were known as Zaire. Up to ten African nations may have the opportunity to qualify for the expanded tournament in North America.