Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline

FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to disciplinary issues during their 2026 World Cup continental play-off in November last year.

Following the match, FIFA’s judicial body found both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association (Fecofa) guilty of separate violations.

The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (around $1,270; £950) for failing to ensure proper “order and security,” specifically regarding objects thrown by spectators. In contrast, the Congolese FA faced a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs for supporters using “laser pointers,” which breaches FIFA’s Article 17.2.d.

The play-off final on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, saw DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending Nigeria’s hopes of World Cup qualification for the first time since 2018.

Following the defeat, NFF questioned the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had changed their national allegiance, citing domestic laws that reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults.

With just two weeks until the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico to decide World Cup qualifiers, the sanctions have intensified focus on FIFA’s decision regarding Nigeria’s protest about alleged ineligible players.

Nonetheless, FIFA has confirmed DR Congo’s participation in the upcoming fixtures, where they will face the winner of New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31.

Coach Sebastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad, welcoming back Yoane Wissa after a knee injury sidelined him during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

DR Congo is hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.

Up to 10 African nations could qualify to participate in the expanded global tournament in North America.

Stephen Constantine appointed as Rwanda's head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stephen Constantine reappointed as Rwanda’s head coach

Englishman Stephen Constantine has been reappointed as the head coach of Rwanda's men's national football team, signing a two-year contract.

The 63-year-old will step down from his current role with Cypriot club APEA Akrotiri to take up the position on March 16.

Constantine previously managed Rwanda from May 2014 to January 2015 before moving on to take the helm of the Indian national team. The Rwanda Football Federation expressed confidence in his ability to bring “leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to advancing Rwanda’s football ambitions.”

Born in London, Constantine has built a diverse coaching career in various less conventional football destinations. Alongside Rwanda and India, he has also taken charge of teams in Nepal, Malawi, Sudan, and Pakistan.

Currently, Rwanda sits at 130th in the FIFA rankings and is aiming to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, an achievement they have only managed once before in 2004.

Constantine’s first match back in charge will be against Grenada in Kigali, part of the FIFA Series friendly tournament.

CAF greenlights Ethiopia to host International football after five years
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF green lights Ethiopia to host International football after five years

Ethiopia will host international football matches at home for the first time in five years, following approval from the Confederation of African Football for the use of its Dire Dawa stadium.

Ethiopia, an Eastern African nation with a population of 130 million, has been compelled to play its home matches abroad since 2021 after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that all three of its primary stadiums – in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Dire Dawa – did not meet international standards.

However, following recent upgrades that received the green light from CAF inspectors, the second-largest stadium in Dire Dawa is set to host Ethiopia’s preliminary round second leg qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe on March 31, according to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).

“Great news! The Dire Dawa International Stadium can now host national team matches,” announced the EFF. Built in partnership with the Dire Dawa city administration, the modern stadium is ready for national and international competitions.”

The EFF has reappointed former international player Yohannes Sahle to prepare the national team for the qualifiers, with the first leg kicking off in São Tomé on March 25.

The team that triumphs after both legs will move on to the group stage of the tournament, with the finals scheduled to take place next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ethiopia, which previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, recently finished fifth in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, earning only nine points from ten matches.

Source AFP

CAF Inter-club winners' money increases by $2m
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Inter-club winners’ money increases by $2m

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has raised the prize money for winners of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The Champions League winner will receive USD 6 million, a 50% increase, while the Confederation Cup winner will get USD 4 million, a 100% increase.

During Dr Motsepe’s five years in office, the Champions League prize increased from USD 2.5 million to USD 6 million, a 140% rise, and the Confederation Cup prize rose from USD 1.25 million to USD 4 million, a 220% increase.

Total prize money and support for African clubs now exceed USD 42 million per season, a 123.4% increase since the President took office.

In August 2024, Dr Motsepe announced that teams eliminated in the early rounds of both tournaments would receive USD 50,000 each, increasing to USD 100,000 in 2025. This led to a record 130 clubs participating in the 2025/26 season.

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account

Sporting Club Jacksonville lost their home opener to Hartford Athletic, 3-0, in the USL Championship on Saturday in front of 10,357 fans at Hodges Stadium.

Augustine William, making his Hartford league debut, scored just before halftime to put Hartford ahead 1-0. Sporting JAX had an early corner kick, but they couldn’t capitalise. Despite creating chances, they struggled against Hartford’s strong defence.

In the second half, JAX pushed for an equaliser, with Emil Jaaskelainen forcing a great save from Hartford’s keeper, Siaha Ngnepi. JAX faced a setback when a penalty kick awarded to Hartford was saved by goalkeeper Christian Olivares, boosting the team’s spirit.

However, Hartford’s Samuel Careaga scored shortly after entering the match, making it 2-0. JAX continued to fight but conceded a final goal from Hartford’s Adewale Obalola in the 90th minute, ending the match 3-0. It was an exciting night for soccer in Jacksonville.