FIFA punish African nations for World Cup offences

JOHANNESBURG: FIFA have punished numerous African nations for offences during 2018 World Cup qualifiers last month, the world football body said.

Gabon forfeited by a mandatory 3-0 scoreline in a match against Ivory Coast in Libreville for fielding suspended midfielder Merlin Tandjigora.

However, the Gabonese lost the match 3-0 so the punishment effectively amounted to a US$6,200

(RM26,400) fine.

Fielding ineligible players was a major problem in Africa during 2014 World Cup qualifying but Portugal-based Tandjigora is the first culprit since.

Nigeria were fined US$30,000 (RM127,000) after spectators invaded the pitch in Uyo during a 4-0 triumph over Cameroon.

The Democratic Republic of Congo must pay FIFA US$20,000 (RM85,000) after the crowd hurled bottles and let off incendiary devices during a 2-2 draw with Tunisia in Kinshasa.

Mali were fined US$15,000 (RM63,400) because fans flung bottles and chairs on the pitch in a 0-0 stalemate with Morocco in Bamako.

The earlier qualifier between the same countries in Rabat led to a US$3,000 (RM12,700) fine for Morocco over whistling while the Malian national anthem was being played.

Zambia received a US$7,000 (RM30,000) fine after the crowd hurled various unspecified objects on the pitch during a 3-1 victory over Algeria in Lusaka.

Senegal and Burkina Faso were warned for late kickoffs in the qualifiers between them in Dakar and Ouagadougou.

The fines are a serious blow as most African national football associations struggle financially with many relying on government bailouts for survival. — AFP