FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny after reports emerged that its investigators were aware of an eligibility issue involving Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi before the country secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mpasi, who was born in France and represented the country at youth level, reportedly had not completed the required process to switch his international allegiance to DR Congo.
Despite the reported findings, FIFA allowed DR Congo to continue its World Cup campaign. Mpasi went on to play a key role for the Central African nation at the tournament, including in their last-32 clash against England.
The controversy has revived Nigeria’s complaint over DR Congo’s use of allegedly ineligible players during their World Cup playoff against the Super Eagles, which DR Congo won on penalties.
According to reports, FIFA investigators were already aware of Mpasi’s situation before DR Congo defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff in March.
However, FIFA rejected Nigeria’s protest, ruling it inadmissible because it was not filed within the required timeframe.
Nigeria has since appealed the decision, while officials have indicated that the country could pursue financial compensation for the economic losses associated with missing the World Cup.
FIFA, however, maintains that there were no eligibility issues involving DR Congo’s matches against Jamaica or during the World Cup, insisting that Nigeria’s protest was properly handled by its disciplinary committee.
The development is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency and consistency in FIFA’s handling of player eligibility disputes.
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