World football governing body, FIFA has fined and warned 49 countries including Nigeria for misconduct during the recently concluded 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
African nations Nigeria, Algeria, and Senegal were slapped with fines and bans after crowd trouble in their play-offs held on March 29 at their respective venues.
At Nigeria’s Moshood Abiola Stadium, fans went on a rampage after the Super Eagles crashed out to Ghana after a 1-1 with their bitter rivals Ghana. Thomas Partey had scored for the Black Stars before the hosts managed to reply courtesy of William Troost-Ekong.
Ghana qualified courtesy of the away goal rule and at full time, irate Nigeria fans streamed onto the pitch, destroying property and forcing Ghanaian players, journalists and fans into taking refuge in the dressing room.
As a result, Nigeria has been fined $154,086 by FIFA and will also play one match without fans.
The Nigeria FA was banned for “failing to implement existing safety rules -regarding order and security, and failure to ensure that law and order are maintained in the stadium, invasion of the field of play and throwing of objects.”
Source : Graphic Online
