World football governing body, FIFA has slapped Nigeria and two other African countries with various game sanctions.
The three countries are facing punitive actions from the football governing body over fans misconduct.
Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria are facing ban and fines for their failure to control fans during the World Cup second league fixtures.
The world’s football body took the action to bring sanity into the game.
The act is also to warn countries to avoid engaging in unprovoked attacks on game opponents.
On March 29, 2022, Super Eagles fans invaded the playing pitch and attacked Black Stars players after a one goal score on each side at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Following a goalless draw in Ghana, the Back Stars were in Nigeria for the returned league encounter.
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The two West African rivals ended the game in a 1-1 draw securing the Black Stars a narrow victory to Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Ghana’s Thomas Partey opened the lead for the Stars.
The Super Eagles later equalized through William Troost-Ekong ending the game in a draw.
Disappointed Nigeria fans lost emotions and started throwing objects unto the pitch.
Others invaded the field compelling the Black Stars players to take refuge in the dressing room.
FIFA launched an inquiry into the incident following a formal petition by the Ghana FA.
Nigeria’s Football Association was found guilty for “failure to implement existing football safety protocols during the match”.
The FA was also accused of failing to maintain law and order and allowing supporters to invade the football pitch during the same game.
FIFA on these grounds fined the Nigerian FA ₦63m ($154,086) for the misconduct of it’s home based supporters.
Nigeria in addition to the fine will play one international match in an empty stadium.
Senegal on the other hand is paying $180,000 for equally failing to control its fans.
FIFA accused Senegalese fan of mocking several Egyptian players, notably Mohamed Salah in similar returned encounter in Dakar.
Senegal will also play one international match in an empty stadium.
The Pharaohs won the first game at home by a lone goal.
But the Teranga Lions managed to secure victory at the second leg by the same margin.
During a penalties shootouts, Senegalese fans were spotted mocking Salah after he missed his crucial penalty.
The host went ahead to win the shootout to book a place in the upcoming prestigious global competition.
Fifa acted on same “failure to implement existing safety rules and failure to maintain law and order in the stadium.
It also accused fans of invading the field of play, throwing of objects and lighting of fireworks at the stadium
FIFA also accused Senegalese fans of using laser pointers and objects to transmit a message that is inappropriate for a sporting event – offensive banner.”
Just like Nigeria, the Teranga Lions will play their next match without spectators.
Algeria has also been fined $3081 for “throwing objects on the pitch and lighting of fireworks at the stadium” in their second game with Cameroon.
The North Africans had won the first leg by a solitary goal and were close to making it to Qatar.
However, the Indomitable Lions fought back and won 2-1 in extra time for a 2-2 draw and qualified on away goals rule.
Key phrase: football governing body
