FIFA Fines NFF and DR Congo After World Cup Qualifier Incident
FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary issues that occurred during the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying play off held on 16 March 2025.
The sanctions were confirmed in FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview covering matches from the World Cup qualifying campaign. The incidents took place during the African play off final in Morocco where DR Congo national football team defeated the Nigeria national football team 4-3 after the match finished 1-1 following regulation and extra time.
According to FIFA, Nigeria was punished for a breach relating to match order and security after spectators were found guilty of throwing objects during the game. The incident falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the Nigerian federation received a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the encounter. FIFA ruled that the act violated Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code and imposed a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs on DR Congo.
The disciplinary measures come as FIFA continues to review a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation concerning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the play off final.
Nigeria submitted the complaint on December 15, 2025, arguing that the Congolese federation misled FIFA while securing nationality switches for a number of overseas born footballers who represented the team in the decisive match.
The petition listed several players who took part in the game against the Super Eagles. Those named included Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku and Cedric Bakambu in the starting line up. The substitutes listed were Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gedeon Kalulu, Michel Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
Nigeria’s complaint, which was recently published by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, argued that some of the players received clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the play off match despite being invited earlier for the fixture.
Meanwhile, DR Congo are preparing for the intercontinental stage of the World Cup qualifying play offs where they will face the winner of the semi final between New Caledonia national football team and Jamaica national football team on March 31 for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the Congolese side have left two of the disputed players, Michel Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, out of their latest 26 man squad.
DR Congo will be aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since their only appearance at the 1974 FIFA World Cup in former West Germany.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will miss out on another World Cup after previously failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar following their play off defeat to Ghana national football team.
