World football governing body, FIFA hammer has fallen on erring nations including Nigeria for various off ences ranging for crowd disorders, encroachment on fi eld of plays and gay slurs. FIFA in a release yesterday made available to Blueprint Sports yesterday fi ned Nigeria $31,000 for crowd disorder during last month’s World Cup qualifi er against Cameroon in Uyo, which the Super Eagles won 4-0. Zambia must pay US$7,000 after their fans threw objects when they played Algeria in Lusaka. Morocco’s punishment of US$3,000 and a warning was given after spectators whistled during the national anthem ahead of their match against Mali in Rabat. Both Burkina Faso and Senegal were issued warnings for delayed kick-off s in their matches against each other on 2 and 5 September respectively. And South Africa’s Erick Mulomowandau Mathoho had his suspension for a straight red card against Cape Verde increased from one match to two and also fi ned US$5,000. He was dismissed in Praia for kicking out at an opponent after the ball had already gone into touch and missed the return match a few days later through suspension. Th e increased ban means Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter had to drop him from his squad to face visiting Burkina Faso on Saturday. Other countries that received FIFA sledge hammer include Germany who were fi ned 32,000 Swiss francs ($33,000) because fans chanted Nazi slogans at a World Cup qualifying game in the Czech Republic. “Th e range of charges against Germany included fans encroaching on the fi eld and setting off fi reworks at the game in Prague,” FIFA said. About 200 German supporters chanted slogans during their team’s 2-1 win and verbally abused one of the scorers Timo Werner. FIFA also fi ned the Czech federation 5,000 Swiss francs ($5,150) for crowd disorder. FIFA’s attempts to crack down on fans chanting gay slurs saw seven national federations fi ned for incidents. Argentina was ordered to pay 65,000 Swiss francs ($67,000), Panama 50,000 Swiss francs ($51,500), and Hungary 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,600).
