FIFA reportedly knew that the Democratic Republic of Congo had fielded an ineligible player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers but allowed the team to continue its campaign, according to an investigation by The New York Times.
The report said FIFA’s legal officials determined that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international affiliation from France to DR Congo, despite previously representing France at youth level.
Mpasi continued to feature for DR Congo, including in the African play-off final against Nigeria in November 2025. The Congolese side defeated the Super Eagles on penalties before beating Jamaica in March to secure a place at the World Cup.
Nigeria’s Football Federation had lodged a complaint with FIFA in December 2025, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.
According to documents reviewed by The New York Times, FIFA officials considered several possible outcomes, including awarding the match to Nigeria, imposing sanctions on DR Congo, replacing the Congolese side with Nigeria in the play-off against Jamaica, or dismissing the complaint on procedural grounds.
Reports by The New York Times and Le Monde said FIFA’s legal team later identified an eligibility problem involving Mpasi. FIFA, however, said its disciplinary committee had declared the NFF complaint inadmissible and that the decision became final after no appeal was lodged. FIFA also maintained that its judicial bodies operate independently.
Former NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau said he was told Nigeria’s complaint had been rejected for technical reasons but was unaware that FIFA officials had identified a problem with Mpasi’s eligibility.
The revelations have renewed scrutiny of FIFA’s handling of the case, particularly because DR Congo went on to qualify for the World Cup and compete at the tournament.
FIFA’s reported handling of the matter has also raised questions about its application of eligibility rules, with previous cases involving Greece and Bolivia resulting in sporting sanctions.
