FIFA under intense scrutiny after DR Congo fielded ineligible player during World Cup qualifiers
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Infantino is now facing fresh allegations from several nations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under further criticism following claims that the international football governing organisation allowed an ineligible player to play for DR Congo during their successful FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign.
The discovery has prompted fury among competitor nations that were eliminated by the Leopards, perhaps leading to legal challenges that might tarnish the tournament’s reputation.
According to The New York Times, FIFA is mired in a major scandal for deliberately permitting an ineligible player to represent DR Congo in World Cup qualifiers. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi notably played for the Leopards despite failing to complete the appropriate paperwork to change his international allegiance from France.
DR Congo fielded ineligible player during World Cup qualifiers
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The 32-year-old Le Havre custodian appeared in vital qualification matches, including victory over Nigeria and a pivotal play-off win against Jamaica. According to the study, FIFA was well aware of the administrative mistake but decided not to apply any sporting consequences, fines, or disqualifications.
Mpasi participated in all four of DR Congo’s World Cup matches. He helped his country progress from Group K before losing 2-1 to Thomas Tuchel’s England in the round of 32.
The immediate aftermath of FIFA’s inactivity has been characterised by a furious outcry from the eliminated nations. Nigeria and Jamaica were both eliminated by DR Congo and are very disappointed by the governing body’s lack of intervention.
Following their departure from the preliminary round, the Nigerian camp publicly addressed the eligibility problem. However, FIFA dismissed the objection completely, arguing that the protest was filed too late.
Jamaica have raised serious reservations about the verification process’s integrity. Both federations are now considering their legal options, angry that conventional disciplinary procedures were allegedly violated on a worldwide scale.
Was Lionel Mpasi ineligible for DR Congo during FIFA World Cup 2026?
Reports based on FIFA documents say Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international allegiance from France to Congo.
Why was Lionel Mpasi ineligible for DR Congo?
Mpasi had represented France at youth level and reportedly never completed the FIFA-approved process to change his international association to Congo.
Why are Nigeria and Jamaica angry with FIFA?
Nigeria and Jamaica have raised concerns over the handling of Mpasi’s eligibility after Congo eliminated both nations on their route to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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