Four months after a controversial World Cup play-off, FIFA has fined both Nigeria and the DR Congo football federations for spectator misconduct during their November 2025 clash. The tense match in Morocco saw DR Congo win 4–3 on penalties to advance.
FIFA’s disciplinary report confirms the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was fined 1,000 Swiss francs for objects thrown by fans, breaching security regulations under Article 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. DR Congo received a steeper 5,000 Swiss franc fine for supporters using laser pointers, violating Article 17.2.d.
The sanctions come as Nigeria’s formal protest against DR Congo—filed over alleged fielding of ineligible players—remains under FIFA review. The complaint, submitted in December, lists over a dozen naturalised players who featured in the play-off, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
Meanwhile, DR Congo has omitted Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from their squad for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs against the New Caledonia-Jamaica winner, scheduled for March 31, as scrutiny over player eligibility intensifies.
