FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under renewed scrutiny following reports that FIFA lawyers were allegedly aware of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi's ineligibility as early as March 2026. According to reports in The New York Times and Le Monde, lawyers reportedly drafted potential sanctions, including banning Mpasi and disqualifying DR Congo from a play-off match against Jamaica that same month.
However, these outlets reported that no action was taken. Mpasi subsequently represented DR Congo at the World Cup finals in North America, playing in his side's 2-1 defeat against England in the last 32.
These reports add to previous concerns surrounding World Cup disciplinary matters, including the Folarin Balogun case. The Norwegian federation has lodged complaints with FIFA's ethics committee and its governance, audit and compliance committee, covering the Balogun case, a private investor plan, and the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize last year.