The Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite lacking complete change-of-federation paperwork after previously representing France at youth level, according to the New York Times. Internal FIFA documents revealed that the governing body investigated the eligibility lapse following a protest by the Nigerian Football Federation but ultimately archived the case on technical grounds before the tournament began.
Protest Filed Following African Qualifier Playoff
The controversy stems from a November 16, 2025, African qualification playoff match where the Democratic Republic of Congo eliminated Nigeria in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Following the fixture, the Nigerian Football Federation lodged a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the alleged irregular use of a player. When reviewing the matter, world football’s governing body determined there was no issue with that specific player but uncovered that Lionel Mpasi had never completed the required federation-switch documentation following his 12 youth international appearances for France in the under-16 and under-17 categories.
Internal FIFA reports considered several potential resolutions, including awarding the victory to Nigeria, issuing financial penalties, replacing the Democratic Republic of Congo with Nigeria in the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica, or dismissing the complaint due to late filing by the Nigerian federation, according to The New York Times. Ultimately, FIFA chose the final option, dismissing the protest on formal grounds and allowing the team to proceed.
Consequences for Nigerian Leadership and Global Precedent
Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the former president of the Nigerian Football Federation, revealed to the New York Times that the protest was rejected strictly on technicalities without clarifying Mpasi’s eligibility status. Gusau and multiple members of his executive committee were dismissed in the wake of the failed qualification campaign. “FIFA simply remained silent and cannot tell anyone, because it knows that would cause a major crisis,” Gusau stated to the American newspaper.
Infantino Needs African Support to Survive
Prince Zelkifli Rahman Ngoufonja, a former FIFA official, pointed to the relationship between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Véron Mosengo-Omba, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation, describing Mosengo-Omba as a key ally. “If FIFA had removed DR Congo from the World Cup, African support could have been compromised,” Ngoufonja told the New York Times. “Infantino needs Africa to survive. He cannot afford to lose members in Africa.”
In response to inquiries from journalists, FIFA’s administration stated via email that Gianni Infantino had no involvement in the final decision, emphasizing that the organization’s committees are autonomous and render rulings based strictly on applicable regulations and specific factual submissions.
 "Photo: abola.pt")
Impact on Portugal and Tournament Progression
The inclusion of Lionel Mpasi directly shaped the group stage dynamics of the tournament. The Democratic Republic of Congo was drawn into Group K alongside Portugal, opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the European side, where João Neves scored for Portugal before Yoane Wissa equalized. That shared point left Portugal two points behind group winner Colombia, relegating the Portuguese side to a second-place finish and a knockout path against Croatia.
Despite the administrative controversy, Lionel Mpasi established himself as one of the standout individual performers of the tournament. After helping his side defeat Jamaica in the March 31 intercontinental playoff at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mpasi guarded the net as the Democratic Republic of Congo advanced past the group stage before bowing out in the Round of 32 with a 2-1 defeat against England.
Regional Confederations Demand Scrutiny
Following the publication of the internal documents, regional governing bodies have signaled intent to examine tournament governance. CONCACAF stated that any process regarding player eligibility that compromises competition integrity or member interests warrants thorough review.
Keep reading
