Infantino Faces Scrutiny over DR Congo Keeper Eligibility
FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s appeal and kept DR Congo in the tournament despite internal findings that Lionel Mpasi lacked clearance during qualifying.
- 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.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Infantino Faces Another FIFA Issue, Congo Took Goalkeeper to the World Cup Who Shouldn't Have Played
FIFA is facing fresh allegations over its handling of the case of Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who played in the World Cup despite suspicions that he did not meet the conditions to represent the African national team. The issue has sparked strong reactions in Nigeria, which was eliminated by the Democratic Republic of Congo on the way to the World Cup. According to documents obtained by The New York Times and Le Monde, F…
FIFA IS facing accusations of covering up irregularities regarding the DR Congo goalkeeper's right to play at the World Cup in order to avoid the expulsion of that national team.
Fifa knew that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had not completed the necessary procedures to defend the African selection, but allowed him to compete in the qualifying games and the World Cup of 2026. The information was revealed this Tuesday by investigations of the New York Times and Le Monde, based on internal documents of the entity. Towards Rome? Wesley calls Endrick to be his teammate, says Italian newspaper…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Gianni Infantino faces fresh scandal over goalkeeper who played against England
Lionel Mpasi faced England at the World Cup, but questions have now been raised over his eligibility
The next veritable scandal is in the house of FIFA's World Football Association. Internal documents show that the Democratic Republic of Congo set up an unfit goalkeeper on the way to the World Cup - and FIFA knew about it.
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