FIFA Faces Fresh Scandal Over Latest Revelation of DR Congo Player Ineligibility Against Nigeria in World Cup Qualifiers

World football governing body FIFA has come under intense criticism and scrutiny in recent months over a series of controversial decisions under Gianni Infantino, the latest controversy centres on DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who was reportedly ineligible when he featured against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers.

The revelation further puts FIFA under scrutiny as DR Congo returned to the world stage after a 52-year absence. As per the New York Times and Le Monde citing internal FIFA documents and correspondence, reported the development on Tuesday with Le Monde describing it as a “delicate matter that FIFA covered up for political reasons.”

FIFA’s legal experts reportedly determined that the paperwork for Mpasi’s change of national-team affiliation was incomplete, having previously represented France at youth level. FIFA considered sanctions ranging from a fine to excluding DR Congo from the World Cup playoffs, but ultimately took no action.

According to the reports, FIFA’s legal services were aware of Mpasi’s ineligibility but did not act, despite such an infraction normally resulting in the forfeiture of a match in which an ineligible player is fielded. The investigation was reportedly launched following a complaint from Nigeria after the Super Eagles’ defeat to DR Congo.

FIFA, however, said it dismissed the case because of a procedural defect in Nigeria’s complaint, stressing that its committees are autonomous and determine cases based on the applicable regulations and facts presented.

NFF’s original complaint went beyond Lionel Mpasi, alleging that several DR Congo players were improperly cleared by FIFA over questions surrounding their nationality status under Congolese law. Nigeria is now seeking compensation and wants FIFA to reopen the case, arguing that the latest evidence raises issues beyond the procedural handling of its initial petition.

There is precedent for FIFA compensating a federation after a disputed World Cup elimination. FIFA paid the Football Association of Ireland €5 million following the controversial 2010 World Cup qualifying defeat to France, although the governing body later described the payment as a one-off arrangement.

The governing body also denied that Infantino intervened in the decision, while the New York Times reported allegations that NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau did not pursue the matter strongly enough amid concerns over possible consequences.

FIFA’s position on Nigeria’s latest demands remains unclear.