Nigerian FA could be punished by FIFA for the chaotic crowd trouble and pitch invasion that broke out after they failed to qualify for the World Cup… after police were forced to use tear gas to break up violent clashes
- Nigeria failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup after they drew with Ghana
- Their setback saw supporters flood onto the pitch and throw missiles at players
- Police were forced to use tear gas on the field to break up the violent clashes
- Dugouts were ripped from the crowd and advertising boards were also defaced
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may be punished by FIFA after the end of their World Cup play-off against Ghana was marred by crowd trouble and a pitch invasion.
Police were forced to use tear gas to diffuse clashes with supporters after they stormed the field, with the atmosphere at the Abuja National Stadium having turned sour after Nigeria were sent crashing out of the qualification route for Qatar.
Following the final whistle, a horde of fans flooded down onto the playing surface to demonstrate their anger at their failed campaign – with dugouts ripped from the ground and various missiles even launched at players from both sides.
Footage on social media also showed advertising boards being defaced and skirmishes between supporters and police in a scramble to quell the incident.
And it has now been revealed that the NFF may be hit with sanctions.
The Nigeria Football Federation may be punished after crowd trouble broke out this week
Violent clashes involving supporters marred the end of Ghana’s World Cup qualification
FIFA have told the BBC that the official match reports are being analysed, with the governing body to the decide on whether action should be taken.
Indeed, a statement from the organisation said next steps may be examined.
‘The relevant information included in the match reports will be evaluated by the disciplinary bodies before deciding on the next steps to be taken,’ it read.
Meanwhile, the Zambian FA confirmed a CAF medical official died after the game.
Angry fans stormed the pitch following Nigeria’s setback, with police even using tear gas
Joseph Kabungo was on duty as an anti-doping officer, and he was described by Zambian FA president Andrew Kamanga as a ‘dedicated and widely loved member of the football community who had a ‘vast impact’ on the sport in the country.
In a statement, the organisation have warned against speculation over his passing.
‘We take note that it is too early to dwell into the nitty-gritty of the cause of his death but will wait for the full report from CAF and FIFA on what exactly transpired,’ it read.
Kamanga paid tribute to the official, saying in an emotional statement on Facebook that Zambian football had suffered a ‘huge loss’.
Joseph Kabungo died after the match, the Zambian Football Federation have sadly confirmed
The Zambian FA paid tribute to Kabungo, saying in a statement that his death was a ‘huge loss’
He said: ‘He was a dedicated and widely loved member of our football community and his impact was vast, having also been part of the 2012 Africa Cup winning team.
‘His death is a huge loss as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families.
‘He was one of the outstanding Zambian football personalities that flew the Zambian flag at global football events.
‘We all have to learn from his example of excellence and celebrate his legacy by breeding more hard working football Zambian administrators.’
