Fifa reportedly permitted the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate in this summer’s World Cup, even though an internal investigation is said to have found the country fielded an ineligible player during qualifying. The player in question, goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, featured for DR Congo at the tournament, including in the last 32 match against England.
Mpasi, who was born in France and played for them at youth level, had reportedly not completed the process of switching nationalities, according to Fifa's findings. No punishment was reportedly issued to the Congolese federation, Fecofa.
The Nigerian Football Federation had submitted a complaint regarding DR Congo's alleged fielding of ineligible players during a World Cup playoff tie in November, which DR Congo won on penalties. Reports indicate that Fifa investigators were aware of Mpasi’s situation before DR Congo defeated Jamaica in a final intercontinental playoff round in March.
Fifa reportedly chose to reject Nigeria's complaint, stating it had not been submitted within the required timeframe. Nigeria appealed this decision, and government representatives have suggested they may seek financial compensation for their losses.