FIFA and Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) have launched investigation into the conduct of fans of Chipolopolo of Zambia during Saturday match at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
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At the match, which ended in 1-0 in favour of the Super Eagles, the Zambia fans were seen displaying a banner with the inscription: “H.E. E.C. LUNGU GOD BLESS YOU’ in the stands in support of ‘unpopular’ Zambian president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The action was in violation of FIFA rule, which does not allow political messages during games.
This means that Zambia could be fined by football’s governing body as a result at the end of the inquiry.
“However, keeping in mind that the rules need to be applied in a neutral and fair manner across FIFA’s 211 member associations, the display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited.
“In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else,’’ chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Claudio Sulser was quoted as saying by Zambian Observer.
It is claimed that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) were not aware of the behavior of the Zambian fans in Nigeria.
