Reports say FIFA’s legal team finds DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible because he did not complete the required nationality-switching process. Multiple outlets link the issue to Mpasi’s dual ties to France and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and note that his eligibility was questioned in relation to World Cup qualifying matches, including those involving Nigeria.
According to the accounts, Nigeria files or prepares a complaint to challenge player eligibility in the playoffs, and investigators are described as having become aware of the situation before the tournament begins. The Guardian says FIFA still allows DR Congo to compete at the World Cup this summer despite the ineligibility claim and that no punishment is levied against the Congolese federation, Fecofa. Another report also says FIFA dismissed a case on a technicality, rather than imposing sanctions.
Overall, outlets agree on the central allegation of ineligibility tied to nationality paperwork, but differ on emphasis: some stress FIFA’s internal findings and lack of action, while others focus on the complaint process and a procedural reason for dismissal.
