Equatorial Guinea Facing Expulsion? The Full Story Behind the Scandal Rocking World Cup African Qualifiers | OneFootball

Players refused to travel for Malawi match amid growing internal crisis and potential sanctions

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The 2026 World cup qualifiers have taken dramatic turn in Africa as FIFA confirmed official investigation into Equatorial Guinea after the team refused to travel to Malawi for their scheduled fixture.

Match Cancelled After Players Vote Not to Travel

The controversy erupted just hours before kickoff in Lilongwe when the Malawian FA announced that the match had been cancelled due to "unexpected travel complications" involving the visiting side.

Later , Equatorial Guinea’s official Facebook account revealed that the players'd voted against traveling citing health risks from overnight journey that would have seen them arrive on matchday morning.

FIFA Launches Disciplinary Inquiry

According to Associated Press, FIFA’s disciplinary committee opened formal investigation on Friday to determine the reasons behind the team’s failure to appear.

The governing body warned that sanctions could include points deduction or 3 - 0 forfeit loss .. a blow that could destroy Equatorial Guinea’s qualification hopes.

In response the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation suspended head coach Juan Micha indefinitely accusing him & his players of "disrespecting the nation".

Assistant coach Casto Nopo Abeso has been appointed interim manager ahead of Monday’s qualifier against Liberia in Malabo.The federation also issued warning to players who refused to travel giving them the option to recommit to the team or face permanent exclusion from national duty.

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Pattern of Chaos: Repeat Offender in FIFA’s Eyes

This isn’t the first time Equatorial Guinea's faced FIFA sanctions. In November 2023, the team lost 2 previous World cup qualifiers (against Namibia & Liberia) by default after fielding ineligible captain Emilio Nsue .. a repeat offense for the veteran striker.