FIFA Faced Congo Goalkeeper Eligibility Warning Before World Cup, But Let Him Play, Reports Reveal

FIFA was reportedly aware before the World Cup that Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international eligibility, yet allowed him to play in crucial qualifiers and at the tournament, according to reports based on internal FIFA documents.

The New York Times and French newspaper Le Monde reported that the case has raised fresh questions about FIFA’s disciplinary procedures under president Gianni Infantino.

Mpasi, 32, had represented France at Under-17 level. Although he has family ties to Congo, he reportedly never completed the formal FIFA process required to change his international eligibility.

Despite the unresolved issue, Mpasi played five World Cup qualifiers, including Congo’s African playoff victory over Nigeria last November and its intercontinental playoff win over Jamaica in March that secured the country’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

He then featured in all four of Congo’s World Cup matches, including the 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and a notable performance in the 2-1 defeat by England in the round of 32.

The issue emerged after the Nigerian Football Federation complained to FIFA over Congo’s use of players whose eligibility was questioned. According to the reports, FIFA disciplinary lawyers had noted that Mpasi lacked formal approval when the governing body became aware of his case in 2021.

Internal documents reportedly showed that officials considered several options, including allowing Nigeria to replace Congo in the playoff against Jamaica or dismissing the complaint on procedural grounds. The reports said overturning Congo’s results could have sent Burkina Faso into the African playoffs instead.

FIFA’s disciplinary code allows its bodies to act on their own initiative in cases involving ineligible players. FIFA said its disciplinary bodies were independent and decided cases according to the applicable regulations and facts.

The reports emerged ahead of a CAF summit in Cape Verde involving Congo, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. Infantino is expected to attend as he seeks African support ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March.