Reports: FIFA Knew Before World Cup that Congo Goalie Was Ineligible in Key Qualifying Games
Internal FIFA documents say lawyers knew Lionel Mpasi lacked clearance, yet no sanctions were imposed and DR Congo advanced to the World Cup.
- FIFA permitted the Democratic Republic of Congo to compete in the 2026 World Cup despite internal findings that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi lacked administrative clearance during qualifying, according to an investigation by the New York Times.
- The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal appeal after losing their continental play-off against DR Congo, arguing the Congolese federation failed to complete mandatory FIFA paperwork for Mpasi's international switch. Standard FIFA practice stipulates automatic forfeit for fielding ineligible players.
- FIFA dismissed the Nigerian claim on a technicality, opting against sanctions or overturning match results. The decision enabled DR Congo, featuring Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa, to advance to the tournament.
- During the tournament in North America, The Leopards successfully navigated Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan before being eliminated by England in the Round of 32.
- Previous precedents, such as Bolivia losing points during 2018 World Cup qualification for fielding an ineligible player, have added scrutiny to FIFA's handling. FIFA President Gianni Infantino's organization stated, "FIFA's committees are autonomous and decide cases on the basis of the regulations in force.
161 Articles
161 Articles
The next "Balogun case"? A fifa investigation suggests that the World Cup goalkeeper of the DRC would not have been allowed to play. The question is whether Congo's participation in the tournament was right – and what does a student friend of Infantino have to do with it.
DR Congo Ineligible Player: NFF sent petition to wrong email
One of the technical grounds on which FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo for fielding an ineligible player in the world cup qualifiers was that the mail which they used in sending the petition wasn’t the right one.
A story that gave rise to controversy about the eligibility of the Democratic Republic of the Congo guard and his participation in the qualifying journey to Mondial 2026, before the International Federation decided its position on the crisis.
FIFA has denied media reports that Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was not allowed to play before and during the World Cup in the summer.
FIFA threatens the next scandal. There are doubts about the eligibility of Congolese goalkeeper Mpasi before the World Cup. The World Federation contradicts reports.
saarbruecker-zeitung.de
volksfreund.deFIFA threatens the next scandal. There are doubts about the eligibility of Congolese goalkeeper Mpasi before the World Cup. The World Federation contradicts reports.
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