FIFA accused of clearing Congo’s qualification despite Nigerian complaint

An American media outlet says FIFA became embroiled in a scandal by authorising the Democratic Republic of the Congo to compete at the World Cup in June last year. The controversy centres in part on goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s eligibility and the handling of a complaint from Nigeria.

In November 2025, Congo eliminated Nigeria on penalties, winning 5-4 after their African playoff match ended 1-1. Nigerian team officials had argued that the Congolese Football Federation had not completed the necessary procedures to change Mpasi’s sporting nationality. He had previously represented France’s youth teams.

An investigation by The New York Times reports that the case came to light after an official complaint by the Nigerian Football Federation following that defeat. The media report says documents showed FIFA officials knew Mpasi had not received the required authorisation to play in the qualifying matches. Nigeria’s complaint was nevertheless rejected on technical grounds, avoiding sanctions and a review of the results.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo subsequently qualified by winning the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica. It reached the World Cup finals for the first time in half a century, advanced from the group stage and then lost to England in the round of 16.