FIFA Sanctions Nigeria and DR Congo After Rabat Play-Off
FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association after disciplinary incidents during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off.
The match took place at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on November 16, 2025. DR Congo secured a place in the intercontinental play-offs after defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties.
Earlier in the game, Frank Onyeka opened the scoring for Nigeria. However, Meschack Elia equalised for DR Congo, forcing the match into a penalty shoot-out.
Nigeria Fined for Crowd Misconduct
FIFA said Nigeria breached match order and security regulations after spectators threw objects during the game.
The offence falls under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the Nigerian federation received a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
DR Congo Receives Heavier Sanction
Meanwhile, DR Congo received a heavier punishment after supporters used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.
FIFA ruled that the action violated Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code, leading to a 5,000 Swiss franc fine for the Congolese federation.
The governing body explained that disciplinary decisions depend on the circumstances of each case. It also noted that sanctions released publicly aim to inform the media, while official legal rulings go directly to the federations involved.
Dispute Over Alleged Ineligible Players
The sanctions come amid a separate protest by Nigeria over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off.
Nigeria formally submitted a complaint to FIFA on December 15, 2025, asking the governing body to investigate the eligibility of several players.
The petition argued that DR Congo misled FIFA while securing nationality switches for some overseas-born players.
Journalist Osasu Obayiuwana later made the document public.
The list included players such as Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku, and Cedric Bakambu.
Nigeria also questioned the eligibility of substitutes including Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gedeon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens.
According to the complaint, some players only received clearance to represent DR Congo days before the decisive play-off match, despite being called up earlier.
DR Congo Prepare for Intercontinental Play-Off
Meanwhile, DR Congo are preparing for the intercontinental play-off, where they will face either New Caledonia or Jamaica for a place at the World Cup.
Two players mentioned in Nigeria’s protest — Balikwisha and Stroeykens — have been omitted from DR Congo’s latest 26-man squad.
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