FIFA opened a disciplinary case towards Equatorial Guinea after the crew didn’t journey to a World Cup qualifying game, the most recent incident in an more and more chaotic marketing campaign.
FIFA stated its disciplinary committee will examine why the Equatorial Guinea males’s crew did not go to Malawi for a game scheduled Thursday (October 9, 2025). Both groups had been nonetheless in rivalry to advance to a playoffs by ending runner-up in the group behind winner Tunisia.
Equatorial Guinea already forfeited its first two video games final November as 3-0 losses after FIFA dominated that veteran captain Emilio Nsue was not eligible to symbolize the nation. Nsue had scored the targets in 1-0 wins towards Namibia and Liberia.
A publish on the crew’s official Instagram account stated the gamers voted in favour of not touring to the game as a result of their well being was put in danger by being requested to fly in a single day and land in Malawi on the morning of the game in Lilongwe.
The nationwide soccer federation suspended coach Juan Michá over the incident and stated by itself Instagram account that the gamers and coach had proven disrespect to the individuals of Equatorial Guinea.
The Malawi soccer federation stated in an announcement merely that the game was cancelled “due to unforeseen travel complications affecting the visiting team.”
FIFA sometimes would punish a crew that does not fulfil its World Cup qualifying fixtures with a default loss.
Federations whose groups do not play a scheduled game additionally will be ordered to pay prices and compensation to opposing groups and FIFA.
Nsue was lastly cleared by FIFA this yr to resume taking part in for Equatorial Guinea regardless of the Spain-born participant beforehand being technically ineligible for his complete worldwide profession with the west African nation, which began in 2013. Nsue, now 36, had performed for Spain’s Under-21 crew, together with at a European Championship.
Equatorial Guinea ought to full its qualifying group in a game Monday (October 13) at dwelling to Liberia.
