Overview

• FIFA confirmed the Lilongwe match was canceled and said its disciplinary committee is investigating Equatorial Guinea’s failure to travel.
• The Football Association of Malawi cited unforeseen travel complications affecting the visiting team in announcing the cancellation.
• Equatorial Guinea’s squad said they unanimously voted not to take an overnight charter that would arrive on the morning of the game, citing health and performance risks.
• The national federation suspended coach Juan Michá and warned that players who refused to travel could be excluded from future selections.
• Under FIFA rules a no-show can lead to a forfeit, fines and compensation orders, an outcome that would further strain Equatorial Guinea’s Group H campaign after a prior six-point deduction linked to Emilio Nsue’s eligibility.