Four months after the controversial African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation over disciplinary incidents that occurred during the match.
The play-off, held in Morocco on November 16, 2025, saw the DR Congo national football team defeat the Nigeria national football team 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 infractions during the encounter.
FIFA ruled that Nigeria breached regulations relating to order and security at matches after spectators were reported to have thrown objects onto the field. The incident violated Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, resulting in a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs for the Nigeria Football Federation.
The Congolese federation received a heavier penalty after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. FIFA said the act contravened Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code, leading to a 5,000 Swiss francs fine.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, also accused DR Congo officials of resorting to voodoo practices.
The sanctions come as attention remains focused on FIFA’s pending decision regarding a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final.
Nigeria submitted the complaint on December 15, 2025, arguing that the Congolese federation misled FIFA while securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players.
The petition urged FIFA to investigate the matter and consider disqualifying DR Congo from the qualification process.
The Nigerian federation listed several foreign-born players who featured in the match, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu, who were in the starting line-up.
Substitutes listed in the complaint included Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
In the complaint, which was made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the Nigerian federation argued that some of the players only received clearance to represent DR Congo days before the decisive play-off, despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.
Meanwhile, DR Congo are preparing for the intercontinental play-offs, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between the New Caledonia national football team and the Jamaica national football team on March 31 for a place at the World Cup.
However, the Congolese side have omitted two of the disputed players — Balikwisha and Stroeykens — from their latest 26-man squad.
