Report says FIFA knew of DR Congo goalkeeper eligibility problem before Nigeria’s World Cup exit

FIFA is facing fresh scrutiny following reports that its officials were aware of an eligibility problem involving DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi before the country completed its qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Mpasi played the full 120 minutes when DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties in the African play-off final in November 2025.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo won the shootout 4-3, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup. Punch Newspapers
According to reporting based on internal FIFA documents, Mpasi had previously represented France at youth level but had not completed all the paperwork required to formally switch his international association to DR Congo.

The reports say FIFA’s own legal officials identified the issue and considered a range of possible responses, including sanctions against DR Congo. Sportsnet.ca
Nigeria had already challenged DR Congo’s player eligibility
The Nigeria Football Federation raised concerns after the November play-off, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.
Nigeria’s original complaint involved broader nationality issues, including whether some foreign-born players met Congolese nationality requirements.
That complaint was ultimately unsuccessful. Premium Times Nigeria
The latest reporting, however, focuses more specifically on Mpasi’s international association switch from France.

Documents reviewed by international media reportedly showed that FIFA lawyers became aware of the problem while DR Congo was still progressing toward the World Cup.

Possible options considered internally reportedly included awarding the disputed match to Nigeria, replacing DR Congo with Nigeria in the intercontinental play-off, imposing other sanctions or taking no action because Nigeria’s complaint had been filed outside the required procedural timeframe. Punch Newspapers
DR Congo subsequently defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off and participated in the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA faces questions over handling of case
The revelations have raised questions about why no sporting sanction was imposed despite the reported internal eligibility concerns.
However, FIFA has continued to defend its handling of the matter, and reporting on the case indicates the organisation maintains that applicable procedures were followed.

That distinction is important: the existence of internal concerns over Mpasi’s paperwork has been reported from documents, but FIFA has not publicly announced that Nigeria should have been awarded the match or that DR Congo’s World Cup participation was invalid.

The latest revelations are now prompting Nigerian officials to reconsider what further action may be available.