World Cup play-offs: FIFA sanctions Nigeria, DRC over laser pointers, security breach
FIFA has sanctioned both Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo following infractions that occurred during the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-Off Tournament in Morocco in November 2025.
Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo, securing the sole African ticket to the intercontinental play-offs, prompting Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to accuse the Central Africans of using voodoo to defeat Nigeria.
In a disciplinary overview of incidents during World Cup qualifiers released by FIFA on March 12, the world football governing body fined the Nigeria Football Federation $1,265 for breaching order and security and for throwing objects during the match.
Meanwhile, DR Congo received a stiffer punishment, a $6,325 for the use of laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the play-offs final.
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