World Cup Qualifiers Thrown Into Chaos as Nation Fail to Turn Up to Match

An international side's World Cup qualifiers have been plunged into doubt after they failed to turn up to a match.

World Cup qualifiers are being played across the globe during October's international break, including African qualifiers.

Equatorial Guinea had two World Cup qualifiers scheduled this month - against Malawi and Liberia.

But Equatorial Guinea's fixture against Malawi on Thursday was cancelled after their players failed to turn up to the game.

According to African football journalist Mickey Jnr, there were initial tension between the Equatorial Guinea players, the federation and the government before those issues were resolved.

But further issues arose that saw the Equatorial Guinea players decide against travelling to Malawi.

Mickey Jnr claims the main problem was the unforeseen travel complications.

Players were told on Wednesday night that they'd fly to Malawi on Thursday morning.

Equatorial Guinea failed to turn up to Malawi for their World Cup qualifier. Image: Getty

However, after breakfast, the Equatorial Guinea players were informed the flight was moved to the afternoon, meaning they'd arrive just before kick-off without any time to rest.

And they were expected to change into their kit on the plane and head straight to the stadium from the airport.

Per the report, the Equatorial Guinea players 'refused' the arrangement before calling for a meeting, where they decided not to travel under those conditions.

As a result, the match was cancelled and communicated to Malawi during lunch.

Equatorial Guinea resume their World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday when they host Liberia.

They are committed to honouring the clash following their no-show against Malawi.

Equatorial Guinea's World Cup qualifying campaign has been disrupted after being sanctioned by FIFA for fielding an eligible player in their 1-0 victories over Namibia and Liberia.

FIFA awarded a pair of 3-0 forfeit wins to their opponents after Equatorial Guinea illegally fielded Emilio Nsue, who scored the winning goal in both matches.

Nsue, formerly of Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, was given a six-month ban from international football by FIFA.