FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, are under fresh scrutiny after reports that the governing body’s lawyers found Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi ineligible three months before the World Cup, with Nigeria now considering seeking compensation.
The New York Times and Le Monde reported that FIFA lawyers found Mpasi had not completed the process of switching his international allegiance from France, where he played for the youth teams. FIFA reportedly knew this in March, but took no action against Congo DR. Congo DR beat Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off, went to the World Cup, and reached the round of 32, where Mpasi played well in a defeat by England.
Nigeria lost to Congo DR in the African play-off final in November, losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time. The Nigeria Football Federation then complained that Congo DR had fielded between six and nine ineligible players. Cameroon had made a similar complaint. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee rejected Nigeria’s petition in March, reportedly on a technicality.
According to documents seen by The New York Times, FIFA officials considered options that included awarding Nigeria the win, imposing financial sanctions or replacing Congo DR with Nigeria in the play-off against Jamaica. An official of the National Sports Commission told ESPN that Nigeria could now seek damages.
FIFA said it “strongly rejects these unfounded allegations” over Mpasi’s eligibility and that Infantino had no role in any decisions. It has also denied that the matter had anything to do with supporting Veron Mosengo-Omba, the former FIFA secretary general who is now president of the Congolese federation.
Critics argue that the episode raises questions about FIFA’s handling of its own rules.
Concacaf, whose member association Jamaica was also affected, said it takes player eligibility very seriously and expects the rules to be applied consistently and fairly. The Confederation of African Football has yet to comment.
