FIFA fines NFF, DR Congo over World Cup play-off misconducts

World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation (FECOFA) following disciplinary incidents during the disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final.

The sanctions come four months after the encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, which ended in a 4–3 penalty shootout victory for DR Congo in Morocco, securing their progression to the intercontinental play-offs.

According to FIFA’s disciplinary overview for the qualifiers, both football federations were found guilty of separate breaches during the match played on November 16, 2025.

FIFA ruled that Nigeria violated regulations on order and security at matches after spectators threw objects onto the pitch. The offence, which contravenes Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, resulted in a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs for the NFF.

Meanwhile, the Congolese football body received a heavier sanction after its supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game, an act that breaches Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. As a result, the federation was fined 5,000 Swiss francs.

Following the defeat, the head coach of the Nigeria national football team, Eric Chelle, also accused DR Congo officials of engaging in voodoo practices during the match.

The sanctions come amid ongoing anticipation over FIFA’s decision on a protest filed by the NFF against DR Congo regarding the alleged use of ineligible players during the African play-off.

Nigeria lodged the complaint after the loss, alleging that the Congolese federation misled FIFA to secure nationality switches for several overseas-born players who featured in the match.

The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, urged FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process.

Among the players listed in Nigeria’s complaint were Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu, who started the match, alongside substitutes including Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.

Nigeria argued that some of the players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.

As DR Congo prepare for the next stage of qualification, they are scheduled to 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 World Cup.

However, the Congolese side has dropped two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from its 26-man squad ahead of the crucial play-off.