FIFA Fines Senegal Ksh20M Over Fan Disorder

Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane Celebrates after scoring a penalty against Egypt on February 6, 2022.
PHOTO:
Courtesy
Twitter

World football governing body FIFA on Monday, May 2, fined Senegal's soccer federation Ksh20.8 million ($180,000) for fan disorder at a World Cup playoff game, between the team and Egypt. 

During the highly anticipated match, Egypt's talisman, Mo Salah, encountered shining laser points before taking his penalty. The skipper ended up missing his shot. 

In a statement, FIFA also ordered Senegal to play a future competitive game in an empty stadium. Senegal, however, will still be heading to the global showcase in Qatar later this year.

Also Read: Salah Named FWA Footballer of the Year

 FIFA's disciplinary committee also investigated pitch invasion by Senegal fans as well as an offensive banner hailed up by the rowdy crowd. 

The World football governing body also condemned the soccer federation for failure to maintain law and order during the game that was touted as a clash of titans with the winner, booking their slot in the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. 

The Lions of Teranga went on to win the penalty shootout and proceed to the World Cup- in a match that was deemed controversial.

Senegal however booked their ticket, and in the process, dashed the dreams of the Pharaohs to play in the prestigious showpiece in the Middle East. 

Pundits criticised the Senegal fans' actions, noting that the match ought to be replayed for fair play.

Other teams did not escape FIFA's wrath as Nigeria was fined Ksh17 million and ordered to play a competitive game inside closed doors after their fans invaded the pitch in Abuja. 

Congo and Lebanon received a fine of Ksh14 million and Ksh11 million respectively over fan disorder at the pitch.