FIFA Sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo Over World Cup Play-Off Final Misconduct

World football governing body, FIFA, has imposed sanctions on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary breaches during the controversial 2026 World Cup African play-off final between both nations.

The sanctions come four months after the heated encounter, which took place in Morocco on November 16, 2025. DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.

According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for the World Cup qualifiers, both federations were found guilty of separate offences during the match.

FIFA stated that Nigeria breached regulations relating to order and security after spectators threw objects onto the pitch, an act that violates Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Consequently, the NFF was fined 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 match, an offence under Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FIFA imposed a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs on the DR Congo football body.

The disciplinary action comes amid lingering controversy surrounding the match, with Nigeria still challenging the eligibility of several players who featured for DR Congo.

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, had also accused Congolese officials of resorting to “voodoo” following Nigeria’s defeat.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian federation has formally petitioned FIFA to investigate what it describes as the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final. The complaint, submitted on December 15, 2025, argued that the Congolese football authorities misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players shortly before the decisive fixture.