Following disciplinary incidents that were documented during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, FIFA has sanctioned both nations.
The world football governing body stated that both federations were found guilty of distinct offenses during the match on November 16, 2025, in its most recent disciplinary assessment for World Cup qualifying matches.
After it was discovered that fans had hurled objects during the game, Nigeria was penalized for a violation of match security and order.
The NFF is fined 1,000 Swiss francs for the offense, which is covered by FIFA Disciplinary Code Articles 17 and 17.2.b.
After it was discovered that the Congolese federation’s fans had utilized laser pointers or other such electrical devices during the game, the team was given a harsher punishment.
FIFA fined the DR Congo Football Association 5,000 Swiss francs for violating Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
According to FIFA, disciplinary decisions are made based on the specifics of each case and may still be appealed.
The board also stated that the official legal rulings were sent directly to the participating federations, while the publicly available summary of sanctions was only meant to educate the media.
