Overview
- FIFA legal staff concluded in March 2026 that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible because he had not completed the formal switch of sporting affiliation from France to DR Congo.
- Mpasi had represented France at youth level and, according to the internal file, the paperwork begun in 2021 remained incomplete when he played in World Cup qualifiers.
- Nigeria lodged a formal eligibility complaint after losing to DR Congo and the matter was re-examined in March, but FIFA later closed the case on procedural and timing grounds.
- No sanctions were imposed, DR Congo defeated Jamaica in the play-off and their place at the 2026 World Cup remains intact while no official disciplinary reversal has been announced.
- The documents revive debate over consistency with past FIFA rulings that have resulted in forfeits and fines and increase pressure for clearer rules and more transparency in eligibility enforcement.