Fans misconduct at World Cup qualifier: FIFA fines Nigeria, DR Congo
World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo over misconduct by fans from both sides during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff which held in November 2025.
A disciplinary report released by FIFA revealed that fans of both countries breached provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Due to reports of Nigerian supporters throwing objects onto the pitch during the match, which according to the global football body, violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of its disciplinary code, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese Football Association on the other hand was fined 5,000 Swiss francs, as FIFA ruled that Congolese supporters were found guilty of using laser pointers during the match, contravening Article 17.2.d of the code.
While the decisions are open to appeal, the football body said the sanctions were reached based on the circumstances surrounding each case.
While Nigerian football fans await FIFA’s decision on NFF’s petition to the body regarding the use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the playoff, the disciplinary report however did not mention the protest lodged by the Nigerian football governing body.
The NFF had accused the Congolese Football Association in a petition to FIFA, of inconsistencies surrounding the nationality of some of the Congolese players, as their citizenship status was still being questioned, adding that some of the featured players were registered fraudulently.
While FIFA is yet to make a final decision on the petition, DR Congo has unveiled its squad for the intercontinental playoff scheduled to take place soon in March, as they compete against winner of the encounter between Jamaica and New Caledonia.
