FIFA has issued fines to both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary breaches during the African play-off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match, played in Morocco on November 16, 2025, saw DR Congo defeat Nigeria national football team 4–3 on penalties to move on to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary summary for the World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria was penalized for a security-related infraction. Objects were thrown onto the field by spectators, constituting a violation under Article 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
DR Congo received a higher fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after its fans were found using laser pointers or similar devices during the game, an act that breaches Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code.
The match had already sparked controversy, with Nigerian coach Eric Chelle publicly alleging that DR Congo officials resorted to voodoo following Nigeria’s loss.
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The sanctions come amid heightened attention to a formal protest lodged by the NFF over the eligibility of several DR Congo players. Nigeria claimed that several foreign-born players were cleared to play just days before the crucial fixture, despite being called up earlier.
The complaint named starting players including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku, and Cédric Bakambu, along with substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens.
The Nigerian federation asked FIFA to investigate and, if necessary, disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process. While FIFA reviews the protest, DR Congo has already removed two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, from their 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup play-off against the winner of the New Caledonia vs. Jamaica semi-final on March 31.