FIFA eligibility dispute involves DR Congo and Nigeria

Internal FIFA documents and correspondence indicate that DR Congo fielded an ineligible goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, during their World Cup qualifying campaign. FIFA legal officials reportedly determined that Mpasi had not completed the necessary documentation to switch international affiliations from France to DR Congo after playing for France’s youth teams.

Despite this finding, FIFA allowed DR Congo to continue in the tournament. The team defeated Nigeria in a penalty shootout to advance and subsequently beat Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff to secure a spot in the World Cup.

In response to these revelations, Nigeria is considering legal and sporting options, including a request for compensation from FIFA. A senior official from Nigeria’s National Sports Commission stated the country is reviewing avenues for action, citing financial damages such as lost tournament income, commercial opportunities, and sponsorship possibilities resulting from their elimination.