Nigeria Mulls Demanding for Compensation from FIFA Over DR Congo’s Ineligible Goalkeeper
After it was confirmed yesterday that Super Eagles were unjustly excluded from the 2026 World Cup following revelations that DR Congo used ineligible goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, in the playoff against
The Nigerian National Sports Commission (NSC) is considering filing a compensation claim against FIFA following the exclusion of the Super Eagles from the 2026 World Cup due to a DR Congo goalkeeper's ineligible status. Reports from The New York Times and Le Monde revealed that FIFA's legal team had determined Lionel Mpasi was ineligible, as his change of international association from France was incomplete.
FIFA had discovered this issue in March, long before the DR Congo's intercontinental playoff against Jamaica, but no disciplinary action was taken. Despite this, the NSC is seriously considering seeking compensation for Nigeria's economic losses, including revenue from the World Cup, player exposure, transfers, sponsorship fees, and economic boosts.
While FIFA has previously compensated federations in similar circumstances, Nigeria's case is unique as it centers on FIFA's administration and enforcement of its eligibility regulations. The NSC argues that FIFA should review the case, as the latest evidence suggests potential fraud and should serve as a deterrent to similar actions in the future.
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