Following the uprising that happened in the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abuja when the Super Eagles played against Ghana, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee today Monday has imposed sanctions on Nigeria for the misconduct of its fans. The sanction is coming over a month after the incident happened and Nigeria is not the only country sanctioned by FIFA as Senegal also face sanction as well.
During the world cup qualifying tie in Abuja on May 29 which the Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw with Ghana that led to the failure of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 Qatar summer World Cup, fans trooped into the stadium at the final whistle as they were disappointed with the performance of the Super Eagles.
The world football ruling body in a statement on its official website detailed the reason for these sanctions as “order and security at matches (failure to implement existing safety rules and failure to ensure that law and order are maintained in the stadium, invasion of the field of play and throwing of objects.” It also said: “In line with FIFA’s zero-tolerance stance against discrimination and violence in football, several member associations have been punished due to the abusive behavior by their respective supporters.”
FIFA also imposed a 150,000 Swiss Franc (N63,996,216.90) fine on Nigeria as a result of the unruly behavior of its fans, and one match without spectators. For Senegal, the use of some materials which was not accepted by the fans was what they were sanctioned for. Egypt players complained after the game that during the penalty shootout light was shown on the player’s faces thereby making them miss the target as they could not see well.