FIFA fine Nigeria and DR Congo after crowd incidents in World Cup play-off

FIFA have sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association over supporter misconduct during their 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off, adding a disciplinary postscript to a tie that ended Nigeria’s qualification hopes and sent DR Congo on in the process.Nigeria were fined 1,000 Swiss francs after supporters threw objects onto the pitch during the match, while DR Congo were fined 5,000 Swiss francs after fans were found to have used laser pointers. FIFA said the incidents breached provisions of its disciplinary code.The disparity in the fines reflects the different offences cited by FIFA. Nigeria’s case was treated under Articles 17 and 17.2.b, while the sanction against the Congolese federation was linked to Article 17.2.d.The ruling keeps the focus on a politically sensitive fixture for Nigerian football authorities, given the wider fallout from the play-off defeat and the scrutiny around match operations and crowd control.It also creates an added governance issue for both federations, with FIFA’s decisions underlining the commercial and operational risks attached to supporter behaviour in high-stakes international matches.For the NFF, the fine is financially modest but still adds to pressure around compliance and event management standards, particularly in matches carrying major sporting and reputational consequences.DR Congo received the bigger penalty as they continue preparations for the next stage of qualification, with the federation facing a sharper warning from FIFA over conduct in the stands. Channels Television reported that FIFA’s decisions remain open to appeal.The disciplinary report did not, however, resolve a separate issue raised by Nigeria over the eligibility of some DR Congo players used in the tie. Channels Television said FIFA had yet to announce a decision on that complaint.That leaves one strand of the dispute still live even as the sanctions over supporter misconduct have now been settled, with FIFA moving to enforce basic competition rules while a more consequential sporting complaint remains unresolved.