FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Equatorial Guinea following the national team’s failure to travel for a critical World Cup qualifying fixture. This incident marks the latest in what has become an increasingly tumultuous campaign for the African nation.
The global football governing body confirmed that its disciplinary committee would probe the reasons behind the Equatorial Guinea men’s team’s absence from their scheduled match in Malawi on Thursday, October 9, 2025. This game was vital, as both teams were still vying for a playoff spot, aiming to secure second place in their group behind Tunisia.
Adding to their woes, Equatorial Guinea had already forfeited their first two qualifying matches last November, resulting in 3-0 losses. This penalty came after FIFA declared their seasoned captain, Emilio Nsue, ineligible to play for the nation, despite him having scored the winning goals in previous 1-0 victories against Namibia and Liberia.
In a revealing statement on the team’s official Instagram account, it was claimed that the players collectively voted against traveling for the match. Their decision stemmed from concerns over their health, citing risks associated with an overnight flight that would see them land in Lilongwe, Malawi, on the very morning of the game.
Responding swiftly, the national soccer federation announced the suspension of head coach Juan Michá due to the incident. They further stated on their official Instagram that both the players and the coach had demonstrated a profound disrespect towards the people of Equatorial Guinea through their actions.
Meanwhile, the Malawi soccer federation issued a more concise statement, merely confirming the game’s cancellation “due to unforeseen travel complications affecting the visiting team,” sidestepping the internal turmoil.
Historically, FIFA imposes a default loss on any team that fails to fulfill its scheduled World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Furthermore, national federations whose teams do not participate in a scheduled match may also face orders to cover significant costs and provide compensation to both the opposing teams and FIFA.
Interestingly, earlier this year, Nsue, who is 36 years old and born in Spain, had finally received FIFA’s clearance to continue playing for Equatorial Guinea. This decision came despite him having been technically ineligible for his entire international career with the West African nation since its inception in 2013, due to his prior appearances for Spain’s U-21 team, including participation in a European Championship.
Equatorial Guinea is still scheduled to play their final qualifying group match at home against Liberia on Monday, October 13, hoping to bring some resolution to their turbulent campaign.