Fifa allowed DR Congo to compete at this summer's World Cup despite an internal investigation finding that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had never completed the process of switching nationalities from France. Mpasi, who played for Les Bleus at youth level, featured for the Congolese side at the tournament including against England in the last 32.
The Nigerian Football Federation lodged a complaint after DR Congo beat them on penalties in a World Cup playoff last November. Fifa investigators were aware of Mpasi's situation before DR Congo defeated Jamaica in a final intercontinental playoff in March but rejected Nigeria's complaint on procedural grounds because it was not submitted within the required timeframe.
Nigeria appealed the decision and government representatives have suggested they could seek financial compensation for their loss. A member of the national sports commission told ESPN they will seriously consider seeking compensation from Fifa for all economic losses suffered.
Concacaf said it takes player eligibility matters very seriously and expects regulations to be applied consistently and fairly. The confederation asked that any concerns regarding player eligibility be thoroughly reviewed through Fifa's appropriate governance and disciplinary bodies.
The situation puts renewed focus on Fifa president Gianni Infantino amid ongoing governance scrutiny. A former university associate of Infantino, Véron Mosengo-Omba, was elected unopposed as president of Fecofa this May. Fifa denied Infantino played any part in the decision-making over Mpasi's eligibility.
Key facts from the report:
- DR Congo fielded Lionel Mpasi at the 2026 World Cup
- Mpasi born in France, played for France youth teams, never completed nationality switch
- Nigeria complained after losing World Cup playoff on penalties
- Fifa rejected complaint on procedural timeframe grounds
- Nigeria appealing and considering compensation claim
- Concacaf demands consistent application of eligibility rules
- Véron Mosengo-Omba elected Fecofa president unopposed in May 2026
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Source: The Guardian
