FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria national football team (Super Eagles) and the DR Congo national football team (The Leopards). The sanctions follow a controversial dispute over their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff clash.
The disciplinary committee punished both football federations for the incidents that occurred during the play-off match.
Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately $1,267) after fans were found guilty of throwing objects during the game. DR Congo received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (approximately $6,335) because supporters used laser pointers or similar devices during the match. 
Article 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code penalises these actions. They violate the rules on crowd behaviour and safety at international matches.
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Apart from these offences by both teams, the Nigeria national football team submitted a formal complaint against DR Congo’s team. The petition questions the eligibility of several players who represented DR Congo during the match.
Nigeria’s complaint to FIFA claimed that nine DR Congo national football team players were ineligible because Congolese law does not allow dual citizenship. The mentioned players were mostly European-born footballers who later changed their national allegiance.
According to Soccernet, players listed in the complaint included Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Cédric Bakambu, Noah Sadiki, and Nathanaël Mbuku.
Although the disciplinary fines do not directly change the match result, the wider eligibility dispute could affect the qualification picture. If FIFA ultimately rules that DR Congo used ineligible players, the result could theoretically be overturned and awarded to Nigeria by forfeit.
For now, DR Congo continues preparations for the intercontinental play-offs while Nigeria awaits the outcome of the investigation.
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