{
  "id": 12408750,
  "title": "FIFA knew Congo fielded ineligible player against Nigeria in 2026 W’Cup qualifier — Report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/fifa-knew-congo-fielded-ineligible-player-against-nigeria-in-2026-12408750",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T15:42:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/fifa-knew-congo-fielded-ineligible-player-against-nigeria-in-2026-wcup-qualifier-report/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FIFA was aware that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded an ineligible player, goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, during a 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Nigeria, according to a report by The New York Times. Mpasi had not completed the necessary documentation to switch his international affiliation from France to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite this, FIFA allowed Mpasi to continue playing, and Congo went on to defeat Nigeria in the penalty shootout, securing its first World Cup appearance in 52 years. The development has raised questions about FIFA's handling of Nigeria's complaint against Congo, which was filed after Congo defeated Nigeria in the African play-off final. Nigeria's Football Federation had accused Congo of fielding ineligible players, including Mpasi, and claimed the Congolese federation had misled FIFA. FIFA officials had considered several possible sanctions, including awarding the match to Nigeria, imposing fines, or replacing Congo with Nigeria in the play-off against Jamaica. However, they ultimately decided not to take any action on the grounds that Nigeria had filed its complaint late.",
  "summary": "A report claims FIFA knew DR Congo used an ineligible player, Lionel Mpasi, in the 2026 World Cup qualifier that saw Nigeria miss out on the tournament. Read More: https://punchng.com/fifa-knew-congo-fielded-ineligible-player-against-nigeria-in-2026-wcup-qualifier-report/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Norwegian FA files complaints with FIFA committees over peace prize, World Cup sell-off",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/norwegian-fa-files-complaints-with-fifa-committees-over-peace-prize",
        "published": "2026-10-06T10:22:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Reports: FIFA knew before World Cup that Congo goalie was ineligible in key qualifying games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/reports-fifa-knew-before-world-cup-that-congo-goalie-was-ineligible",
        "published": "2026-10-06T13:09:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "FIFA knew Congo fielded ineligible player against Nigeria in 2026 W’Cup qualifier — Report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/fifa-knew-congo-fielded-ineligible-player-against-nigeria-in-2026",
        "published": "2026-10-06T15:32:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "FIFA knew DR Congo used an ineligible goalkeeper against Nigeria, report reveals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/fifa-knew-dr-congo-used-an-ineligible-goalkeeper-against-nigeria",
        "published": "2026-10-06T15:41:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}