FIFA under fire after DR Congo allowed to reach World Cup despite ineligible player ruling

FIFA finds itself in hot water after allowing the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in the World Cup, despite a previous ruling that their goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible for over four years. Mpasi, a French-born player, switched his international allegiance to DR Congo in 2021, but reportedly failed to complete the necessary change of association.

Mpasi made his debut for DR Congo in 2022 and played a key role in their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. FIFA explored several options in response to Nigeria's challenge of Mpasi's eligibility, but ultimately dismissed the complaint due to it being submitted late. DR Congo were permitted to keep their spot in the tournament and qualified for the World Cup.

This issue is not the first scandal to tarnish FIFA's reputation since the conclusion of the contentious World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The governing body has faced criticism for suspending a ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun after pressure from US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, received leniency, not serving the final two games of his three-game ban during the World Cup. Nigeria's football federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau has called for an investigation into FIFA's handling of the ineligible player issue, accusing the governing body of remaining silent on a matter that sparked a major crisis.

FIFA responded through a spokesperson, stating that the FIFA disciplinary committee dealt with a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and deemed it inadmissible. FIFA claims that their disciplinary bodies are autonomous and make decisions based on the applicable regulations and facts of each case. The spokesperson firmly rejected any suggestion that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had any influence over these processes.