FIFA reportedly allowed DR Congo to compete at World Cup despite goalkeeper’s status — The Guardian
FIFA allowed the Democratic Republic of Congo national team to compete at the 2026 World Cup, although the organization’s internal investigation reportedly found an issue with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s eligibility to play for the team. The Guardian reports.
Goalkeeper’s status
Mpasi was born in France and played for that country’s youth national teams. According to the publication, FIFA likely determined that the goalkeeper had not completed the procedure for changing his sporting nationality. At the same time, he played an important role for DR Congo at the tournament, including in the Round of 32 match against England.
No punishment was imposed on the Congolese Football Federation, Fecofa. The Guardian notes that FIFA investigative teams are independent, while the organization itself reportedly denied that president Gianni Infantino was involved in making the decision on Mpasi.
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Nigeria’s complaint
The Nigeria Football Federation filed a complaint over the possible participation of players who did not meet eligibility requirements in the World Cup qualifying playoff match against DR Congo in November. The Congolese team then won in a penalty shootout.
As reported by The New York Times and Le Monde, FIFA investigators knew about Mpasi’s situation even before DR Congo’s victory over Jamaica in the final intercontinental playoff in March. FIFA rejected Nigeria’s complaint, citing that it had been filed after the deadline. The Nigerian side appealed the decision, while representatives of the country’s state sports commission said they were considering seeking compensation for economic losses.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football called for the issue of players’ compliance with eligibility requirements to be thoroughly considered through FIFA’s appropriate disciplinary and governance mechanisms.
