Equatorial Guinea suspend coach Juan Michá after team fails to honour World Cup qualifier

The Equatoguinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) has suspended national team head coach Juan Michá following the country’s failure to show up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Malawi on Thursday.

In an official statement, the federation accused Michá and team captain Emilio Nsue of influencing the players not to travel for the match, which was scheduled to take place in Malawi.

The no-show has placed Nzalang Nacional at risk of disciplinary action from FIFA, including a potential points deduction that could affect their chances of securing a play-off spot in Group H.

“The Board did all the logistical work as well as the economic forecast, sending everything to the Ministry, which equally approved the document. Despite everything, the Government and FEGUIFUT consider a disrespect from the players of Nzalang and their coach to the people of Equatorial Guinea,” the statement reads.

“From this situation, the Executive Board of the FEGUIFUT has taken a couple of measures to resolve this situation, and all relevant decisions have been transferred immediately after hours to the Ministry of Sports, and at the recommendation of the sports authorities FEGUIFUT have transmitted similarly such measures to the national team at their concentration hotel.”

“The Board did all the logistical work as well as the economic forecast, sending everything to the Ministry, which equally approved the document. Despite everything, the Government and FEGUIFUT consider a disrespect from the players of Nzalang and their coach to the people of Equatorial Guinea,” the statement reads.

The federation added that the Executive Board had already taken steps to address the issue, with decisions communicated to the Ministry of Sports and to the national team’s camp.

“From this situation, the Executive Board of the FEGUIFUT has taken a couple of measures to resolve this situation, and all relevant decisions have been transferred immediately after hours to the Ministry of Sports, and at the recommendation of the sports authorities FEGUIFUT have transmitted similarly such measures to the national team at their concentration hotel.”