US EditionNigeria/Congo-Kinshasa: World Cup Play-Offs - NFF Appeals FIFA Ruling Over DR Congo Eligibility Dispute
Nigeria alleges six to nine Congo DR players violated nationality rules amid World Cup playoff dispute; FIFA’s ruling upheld but NFF has started an appeal process, officials said.
- On Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation announced that FIFA's Disciplinary Committee rejected its protest regarding player eligibility in the African World Cup playoff. The NFF immediately commenced an appeals process.
- Nigeria's complaint, joined by Cameroon in a separate petition, alleged that between six and nine players used by the Democratic Republic of Congo improperly switched international allegiances. The NFF argued those players violated Congolese law prohibiting dual nationality.
- FIFA regulations require only a valid passport for eligibility, a standard the disputed players met. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi contended that FIFA was "deceived into clearing them" regarding compliance with Congolese domestic law.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo advances to the intercontinental playoff, where they face the winner of the Jamaica and New Caledonia match. That round is scheduled for March 31, with a World Cup berth at stake.
- Nigeria's appeal is expected to move to the Court of Arbitration for Sport , though it remains unclear if the legal process will conclude before the intercontinental playoffs begin on March 26. The timeline poses uncertainty for the case.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Nigeria/Congo-Kinshasa: World Cup Play-Offs - NFF Appeals FIFA Ruling Over DR Congo Eligibility Dispute
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has launched an appeal against a decision by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which dismissed its complaint regarding the eligibility of several Democratic Republic of Congo players
NFF Begins Appeal As FIFA Rejects Petition Against DR Congo
The Federation of International Football Federations FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s petition to disqualify Congo DR on the grounds of alleged use of ineligible players. FIFA’s decision was revealed by the Nigeria Football Federation in a media release on Tuesday. Nigeria lost to Congo DR 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their continental playoff final in Rabat, Morocco, with Congo DR set to represent Africa at the intercont…
2026 World Cup: FIFA rejects NFF petition against DR Congo
FIFA has dismissed the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) petition challenging the eligibility of certain players used by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in their 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off match against the Super Eagles in Rabat, Morocco, last November.
Daily Post Nigeria
justnewsline.com2026 World Cup: FIFA officially rejects Super Eagles petition against DR Congo
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed that FIFA has rejected their petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was confirmed by
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