FIFA fines Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo for crowd incidents during World Cup qualifiers

World football’s governing body, FIFA, has imposed financial sanctions on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Federation over disciplinary breaches recorded during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.

According to a recent disciplinary report released by FIFA, the sanctions concern incidents that occurred during the match played on 16 November 2025.

FIFA said Nigeria had been fined 1,000 Swiss francs after fans threw objects onto the pitch during the match. The governing body said the act violated articles 17 and 17.2.b of its disciplinary code, which cover stadium security and crowd control.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo received a Fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after some fans were found using laser pointers or similar devices during the match.

FIFA noted that the action violated Article 17.2.d of its disciplinary regulations. The organization added that disciplinary sanctions are determined on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to appeal.

The match remains controversial following Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final round of Africa’s qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the defeat, the NFF lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, raising concerns over the suitability of several DR Congo players present at the match.

The federation argued that some players representing the Congolese national team hold European passports despite national legal provisions that do not recognize dual citizenship for adults.

Speaking on the matter, NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi expressed concern over possible misrepresentations during the FIFA registration process.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, however urged Nigerians to remain patient while the global football body reviews the petition.

Dikko explained that the participation of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the intercontinental play-offs does not necessarily indicate that Nigeria’s claim has been rejected.

According to him, FIFA often communicates sensitive disciplinary decisions directly to the relevant parties before making them public.

He added that Nigeria was still hoping for a favorable ruling that could potentially guarantee the country a place in the World Cup play-off stage.

Nigeria’s petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, questioned the eligibility of several players representing the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has omitted Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from its list for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs.

The Congolese team will face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31st.

FIFA’s final decision on Nigeria’s petition is still pending, keeping the World Cup qualification controversy unresolved as the 2026 tournament approaches.