GENEVA – Football’s global governing body, FIFA, has launched a disciplinary investigation into Equatorial Guinea after the national team failed to travel for their scheduled World Cup qualifying match against Malawi, deepening turmoil in one of Africa’s most chaotic qualifying groups.
According to a statement released on Friday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee will examine the reasons behind Equatorial Guinea’s failure to appear for the fixture, which was due to be played in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Thursday. Both sides had been in contention for a playoff spot, trailing behind group leaders Tunisia.
The latest controversy follows earlier sanctions against Equatorial Guinea after FIFA ruled that their long-serving captain, Emilio Nsue, was ineligible to represent the country. The ruling led to the forfeiture of two victories last November — 1-0 wins against Namibia and Liberia — which were both recorded as 3-0 losses.
A statement on the team’s official Instagram account claimed that players voted not to travel to Malawi, citing health concerns over being asked to take an overnight flight and arrive on the morning of the match.
In response, the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation suspended head coach Juan Michá, accusing him and the players of showing “disrespect” to the nation and its supporters.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Football Association said in a brief statement that the game was “canceled due to unforeseen travel complications affecting the visiting team.”
Under FIFA regulations, teams that fail to fulfil scheduled World Cup qualifying fixtures typically face automatic forfeits, financial penalties, and potential compensation orders to their opponents and the organising body.
Nsue, who was born in Spain and previously played for Spain’s Under-21 team, was cleared earlier this year to resume representing Equatorial Guinea. The 36-year-old forward had technically been ineligible throughout his international career, which began in 2013.
Equatorial Guinea are now expected to wrap up their qualifying campaign with a home match against Liberia on Monday, as FIFA’s disciplinary process continues.
Source: Associated Press
