FIFA Issues Disciplinary Fines To Nigeria And DR Congo After Controversial World Cup Qualifier

FIFA Issues Disciplinary Fines to Nigeria and DR Congo After Controversial World Cup Qualifier In its latest disciplinary review, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has fined both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Football Association of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo FA) following crowd‑related incidents during their contentious 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying African playoff final last November

According to FIFA’s formal disciplinary report, both national associations were found in breach of provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code due to supporter misconduct during the playoff match, which saw DR Congo advance on penalties.

• Nigeria Football Federation
• The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after Nigerian supporters were reported to have thrown objects onto the pitch during the match
• violation of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.
• DR Congo Football Association
  The Congolese FA was handed a 5,000 Swiss francs fine after its supporters were found guilty of using laser pointers in the stadium, contravening Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. This penalty reflects FIFA’s assessment of the severity and specific circumstances of the misconduct.

FIFA noted that both decisions were made on “the specific merits and circumstances of each case,” and each federation retains the right to appeal the sanctions. The disciplinary report did not address a separate matter currently pending before FIFA. After the playoff match, the Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal protest alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, claiming that some squad members were not validly cleared under relevant eligibility rules. FIFA has yet to issue a decision on this eligibility protest, leaving ongoing uncertainty over that aspect of the disput The playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo, played in November 2025, determined progression in the African section of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. DR Congo prevailed in a penalty shoot‑out after the regulation contest a result that subsequently sparked both disciplinary action and administrative

• Both fines are part of FIFA’s regular disciplinary oversight and are separate from the pending eligibility complaint.
• FIFA stated that the sanctions are subject to appeal under its statutes.