FIFA Sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo Over World Cup Play-off Incidents

The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary breaches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off held on 16 March 2025.

In the decisive African play-off final played in Morocco, DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 after regulation and extra time ended 1–1.

In its latest disciplinary overview released on Sunday, FIFA stated that both federations were found guilty of separate offences during the match.

Nigeria was penalised for breaching Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code relating to order and security at matches after spectators threw objects during the game. The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.

DR Congo received a heavier sanction after their supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the encounter. The offence contravened Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, resulting in a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs.

The sanctions come amid growing anticipation of FIFA’s decision on the NFF’s protest concerning the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off final.

Nigeria lodged the complaint after the defeat, alleging that DR Congo misled FIFA while securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players.

The petition, submitted by the NFF on 15 December 2025, requested FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the play-off.

Players listed in the complaint include 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, as well as substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.

While DR Congo prepare for the intercontinental play-offs, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on 31 March for a place at the 2026 World Cup, they have dropped two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from their 26-man squad.

DR Congo are seeking their first World Cup appearance since making their debut at the 1974 tournament in West Germany.