World soccer ruling body, FIFA, has slammed Nigeria sanctions worth $154,000 following the chaotic behaviour of fans at the end of the second leg Qatar 2022 World Cup play-off between the Super Eagles and Black Stars of Ghana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on March 29.
Angry fans threw caution to the winds causing a breakdown of law and order; invading the field and destroyed facilities after the match as the Black Stars edged Nigeria out of the Qatar 2022 race on the away goals rule.
The match ended 1-1 but the two had earlier played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Ghana.FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee lamented the lack of orderliness and safety at the match venue.
The statement reads: “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.”
Apart from the $154,000 fine, Nigeria will also play its next home match without fans. Other countries affected by sanctions from football’s world governing body include Senegal, DR Congo, Algeria, Egypt and Morocco.
According to the document, the decisions were based on the specific circumstances of each case, adding that some of the decisions may be subject to appeal. Nigeria Football Federation is yet to react to FIFA’s sanctions.
