Equatorial Guinea have sacked head coach Juan Micha and removed several key national team players after a strike prevented the squad from traveling to Malawi for a World Cup qualifying match. The country now risks sanctions from FIFA for failing to honor the fixture.

The crisis erupted ahead of their penultimate Group H qualifier last Thursday when a number of senior players—including long-time captain Emilio Nsue—refused to travel. Their protest was reportedly linked to ongoing grievances over financial issues and poor team conditions.

In response, both Micha and the striking players were dismissed from the squad. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation confirmed the coach’s removal in a post on social media.

According to the Federation, the Ministry of Sports has asked only players still willing to represent the national team to formally register their interest. Those who fail to do so will be considered to have opted out of international duty permanently.

An entirely new squad has since been named for Monday’s qualifier against Liberia, with Casto Nopo appointed interim coach.

The revamped list excludes many stars who featured at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Equatorial Guinea stunned hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 in the group stage—the biggest upset in AFCON history—and held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw. The team topped their group ahead of both giants before being knocked out in the Round of 16 by a late goal from Guinea.

Although already eliminated from contention for the 2026 World Cup, Equatorial Guinea have qualified for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco, which kicks off on December 21.

FIFA has not yet commented on the potential consequences of their failure to fulfill the Malawi fixture.