FIFA’s handling of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying complaint is under renewed scrutiny following reports that its lawyers identified an eligibility problem involving DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
An investigation published by Le Monde on 6 October says internal documents showed that Mpasi had not completed the required change of association from France before appearing in qualifying matches.
The newspaper says DR Congo began the process in 2021 but did not complete it. Mpasi had previously represented France at youth level. (lemonde.fr
Why the case matters to Nigeria
Nigeria lost the African qualifying play-off final to DR Congo in Rabat on 16 November 2025.
The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo winning the penalty shoot-out 4-3. Mpasi played throughout the match.
According to Premium Times, Nigeria subsequently challenged the eligibility of several Congolese players, but its complaint was rejected on procedural grounds.
DR Congo later defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off and qualified for the World Cup. Nigeria’s defeat therefore ended its route to the tournament. (premiumtimesng.com)
What the investigations allege
Le Monde says FIFA lawyers identified the goalkeeper’s clearance problem during further checks in March, before the Jamaica match. It also reports that Nigeria’s original complaint did not specifically identify Mpasi.
That distinction matters: the broader Nigerian protest and the reported discovery about the goalkeeper are related, but are not identical claims. (lemonde.fr)
TheCable’s account of The New York Times investigation says internal discussions considered different responses, including awarding the Nigeria match to the Super Eagles or taking no action because the complaint was late.
Those reported discussions should not be presented as a published disciplinary judgment awarding Nigeria the match. (thecable.ng)
FIFA’s response
FIFA told Le Monde that its disciplinary committee considered Nigeria’s complaint and declared it inadmissible.
The governing body said the decision was communicated in early March and became final and binding because no proper appeal was lodged. It also denied that its president, Gianni Infantino, intervened in the proceedings. (lemonde.fr)
Separately, FIFA told The Guardian that DR Congo had no eligibility issues against Jamaica or at the World Cup. (theguardian.com)
That statement addresses the later matches. It does not, by itself, explain the reported clearance problem during earlier qualifying games.
Nationality and sporting eligibility are different.
FIFA’s official eligibility guidance explains that changing national associations can require a formal request and supporting documents.
Holding a country’s nationality and obtaining permission to represent its football association are separate questions. The reported issue concerning Mpasi centres on that sporting clearance process. (inside.fifa.com)
Trivane View
Football associations and supporters deserve a clear explanation of how eligibility complaints are handled, particularly when qualification is at stake.
FIFA should explain the reported findings, the procedural decision, and whether separate disciplinary action was considered. Nigeria’s federation should also account for how it submitted and pursued its complaint.
The priority is a documented explanation of the rules and decisions, rather than assumptions that Nigeria has secured a new ruling or compensation.
