AFCON 2025
World football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation after disciplinary incidents that took place four months following the disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final.
FIFA stated that the two national associations breached provisions of its disciplinary code because of fans’ conduct during the African World Cup play-off final, which DR Congo won 4-2 on penalties in Rabat in November.
According to the disciplinary review, Super Eagles supporters threw objects onto the pitch during the match, which violated Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the disciplinary code. Consequently, FIFA fined the Nigeria Football Federation 1,000 Swiss francs.
However, FIFA slammed a heavier sanction on the Congolese federation after ruling that its supporters used laser pointers during the match, an offence that contravenes Article 17.2.d of the code.
FIFA therefore fined the federation 5,000 Swiss francs. FIFA noted that it based each decision on the specific merits and circumstances of the cases and added that the rulings remain subject to appeal.
However, the disciplinary summary did not mention Nigeria’s protest over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the playoffs in November. The Nigerian federation submitted a petition to FIFA in which it accused the Congolese FA of not following due process in clearing players with dual nationalities for the national team despite questions about their citizenship status.
It also alleged that some of the “fraudulently registered” players actually featured in the play-off.FIFA has yet to rule on the protest. Meanwhile, DR Congo have already released their squad for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs later this month.
DR Congo will face the winners of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia match. The winner of the final will join Portugal, Kazakhstan, and Colombia.
The inter-confederation playoffs will be held in Guadalupe and Zapopan from 26 to 31 March 2026.
