World Cup 2026 playoff: FIFA sanctions the Nigerian and DR Congo football federations.

FIFA sanctioned the Nigerian Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association for separate infractions committed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers playoff held in November 2025. According to the Sports Village Square outlet, the world governing body flagged the Nigerian federation for a breach of order and security during the match. The sanction specifically concerns incidents involving objects being thrown from the stands, a behavior deemed contrary to FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.

For these offences, the Nigerian Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs. The sanction was heavier for the Congolese Football Association. FIFA indeed noted the use of laser pointers and similar electronic devices by Congolese supporters during the match. This behavior constitutes a violation of Article 17.2.d of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code. The Congolese federation was thus fined 5,000 Swiss francs.