Monday, May 2, 2022 at 6:46 PM• Last update: 21:13

Senegal and Nigeria must complete the next home game without an audience, FIFA has determined. In addition, both African countries must pay a fine following disturbances that took place during matches in the play-offs of the qualification for the World Cup.

The Dutch national team will compete against Senegal at the end of this year at the World Cup. The African country managed to qualify for the final tournament by dealing with Egypt in the qualification via a penalty shootout. However, the country of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah protested to FIFA after the elimination. According to the Football Association of Egypt, there would have been racist behavior by Senegal’s supporters, an Egyptian delegation had been attacked and Salah was seriously hindered from taking a penalty by laser beams aimed at him from the crowd. Egypt lost on penalties after both countries won their home game 1-0. As a result of the disturbances, FIFA has now decided to fine Senegal €170,000 and to allow the country to play its next home game without supporters.

Nigeria has also been heavily penalized by FIFA. The World Football Association has fined the West African country, which will not participate in the World Cup, with a fine of 150,000 euros. In addition, Nigeria, just like Senegal, must complete a home game without its own supporters. Nigeria has been sanctioned following the World Cup qualifier against Ghana at the end of March. After the goalless draw in Ghana, Nigeria did not go further than 1-1 at home, which allowed Ghana to qualify for the World Cup on the basis of the away goal. After the second game, furious supporters stormed the field and kept house.

It was the second time in a short time that Senegal had to deal with Egypt by means of a penalty shootout. The country of Liverpool star Sadio Mane also took on Egypt in the final of the Africa Cup at the beginning of February. Senegal managed to win that penalty shootout, just like in the World Cup qualifier at the end of March. The Lions of Teranga At the World Cup, in addition to the Dutch, they will also meet Ecuador and the host country Qatar. Ghana will face Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Qatar at the end of this year.