Fifa has cracked its whip on Equatorial Guinea by imposing a CHF 10 000 (about K22 million) fine for its failure to show up for Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Flames.
The world football governing body has also officially awarded the match to the Flames by a 3-0 margin win.
A letter from Fifa, dated October 9 2025, signed by Fifa head of disciplinary Americo Espallargas, reads in part: “We refer to the above-mentioned matter as well as to the reports received in relation to the match.
“In particular, we have noted that such match was not played since the representative team of the Equatorial Guinean Football Association did not avail itself at the indicated venue in Lilongwe, Malawi.
“In view of the foregoing, please be informed that the aforementioned incident [s] would constitute a potential breach of the following provision [s]: Article 16- Unplayed matches and abandonment.
“In this context, in accordance with art. 58 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code [FDC] as read in conjunction with Annexe 1 FDC, the secretariat to the Fifa Disciplinary Committee proposes the following sanction to the Respondent, Equatorial Guinean Football Association, on the basis of the existing file:
“The match is declared lost by forfeit by a score of 3-0 by the representative team of Equatorial Guinea.
“The Equatorial Guinean Football Association is ordered to pay a fine to Fifa in the amount of CHF 10 000.”
Fifa has ordered that the fine should be paid within 30 days.
It further says in the event that Equatorial Guinea is not satisfied with the ruling, they should file an appeal to the committee by October 10.
Reads the letter: “In such case, regular disciplinary proceedings will be conducted and the Fifa Disciplinary Committee will decide on the case using the file in its possession.
“Should the Respondent accept the proposed sanction, or in the absence of any response within the stipulated deadline, the said sanction will become final and binding.”
Meanwhile thesun.co.uk has revealed reasons for Equatorial Guinea’s failure to travel for the match.
It says while there was initial tension between the Equatorial Guinea players, the main problem was the unforeseen travel complications.
The article says players were told on Wednesday night that they would fly to Malawi in the morning of the match day.
It says: “However, after breakfast, the Equatorial Guinea players were informed the flight was moved to the afternoon, meaning they would arrive just before kick-off without any time to rest and were expected to change into their kit on the plane and head straight to the stadium from the airport.
“The Equatorial Guinea players ‘refused’ the arrangement before calling for a meeting, where they decided not to travel under those conditions. As a result, the match was cancelled and communicated to Malawi during lunch.”
