**FIFA Hands Down Sanctions to NFF and DRC FA Over 2026 World Cup Qualifier** In a recent development, the international governing body of football, FIFA, has imposed sanctions on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association (DRC FA) following a string of disciplinary incidents during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match between the two teams. The incident occurred on November 16, 2025, during a tense playoff encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. The Congolese side eventually emerged victorious on penalties, winning 4-3. According to the FIFA Disciplinary Code, Nigerian fans were guilty of throwing objects onto the pitch, which is a breach of match order and security regulations. As a result, the NFF has been fined 1,000 Swiss francs. On the other hand, the DRC FA was slapped with a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after fans were found to have used laser pointers and electronic devices aimed at players during the match. This behavior is also prohibited under FIFA rules. The sanctions were announced in FIFA's latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying matches. It's worth noting that the official legal decisions are communicated directly to the concerned federations, while the summary of sanctions is released publicly to inform the media. This development comes as a reminder to both Nigerian and Congolese fans to adhere to FIFA's disciplinary regulations regarding stadium safety and fan conduct. The sanctions serve as a warning to fans to behave responsibly and respect the rules of the game. In a separate development, Nigeria has submitted a petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of some Congolese players, a case that is currently under review. However, this has no bearing on the sanctions handed down to the NFF and DRC FA. The 2026 World Cup is set to be one of the most highly anticipated tournaments in recent history, and these sanctions serve as a reminder to all participating teams and their fans to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and safe.