FIFA Faces Questions Over Lionel Mpasi’s DR Congo Eligibility
FIFA is facing renewed questions over its handling of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi after claims that he was allowed to play in World Cup qualifying and at the finals without completing an international switch from France.
Mpasi, 32, is said to have lacked the required paperwork to change his national-team eligibility before appearing for the Leopards. Despite that administrative issue, no sporting penalty, fine or exclusion was imposed, leaving Nigeria and Jamaica to consider legal action over their eliminations.
Eligibility issue and DR Congo’s campaign
- Mpasi, who plays his club football for Le Havre, featured for DR Congo in key qualifying matches despite the incomplete nationality-switch process.
- His appearances included a win over Nigeria and the play-off victory against Jamaica that secured DR Congo’s route to the World Cup.
- Nigeria raised the matter after going out in the preliminary stage, but its complaint was rejected on the basis that it had been lodged after the relevant deadline.
- Mpasi then started each of DR Congo’s four matches at the World Cup, helping the side progress from Group K.
- DR Congo’s tournament ended with a 2-1 round-of-32 defeat to England, managed by Thomas Tuchel.
Nigeria and Jamaica examine their options
The two eliminated nations believe the case raises serious questions about the integrity of the qualifying competition. Nigeria lost out after DR Congo’s victory over the Super Eagles, while Jamaica were beaten by the Leopards in the decisive play-off.
An official from Nigeria’s National Sports Commission said the country had yet to take a final decision, but compensation from FIFA was under serious consideration. The official pointed to the financial impact of missing the World Cup, including prize and commercial income for the Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles, player exposure, possible transfers, sponsorship opportunities and the wider effect on the national economy.
“We are looking at every available option as a country, and nothing has been ruled out,” the official said.
Jamaica’s federation called for eligibility regulations to be enforced evenly across competitions. It said cases which could affect either a tournament’s credibility or the interests of a member association should be properly investigated by FIFA’s governance and disciplinary bodies, with established rules and due process followed.
FIFA response and wider pressure
FIFA’s position is that Nigeria’s protest could not proceed because it was filed late. The governing body also maintained that its committees operate independently and determine cases on the regulations and facts presented to them.
The dispute arrives at a sensitive moment for FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the March presidential election. He is already under pressure following criticism over World Cup stakes and controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s involvement in the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red card.
UEFA is leading opposition to Infantino’s continued presidency, making support from African member associations particularly important. The handling of the Mpasi case could complicate FIFA’s relationship with a significant voting bloc.
Nigeria and Jamaica are expected to settle their legal approaches in the coming weeks. Should either federation succeed in a compensation claim, FIFA could face fresh demands to revisit the way it applies player-eligibility and disciplinary procedures.
