European Football · Wednesday, October 7, 2026
DRC allegedly competed with ineligible goalkeeper at World Cup
FIFA authorized the Democratic Republic of the Congo to play despite nationality irregularities detected during qualifying rounds.
By Editorial team
FIFA allegedly turned a blind eye to a rules violation concerning the DRC's squad selection. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, born in France and having gone through French youth selections, had never completed his nationality change according to FIFA investigators. Nigeria filed a complaint against this participation. Mpasi played several matches for the DRC, notably against England. No sanctions were imposed against the Congolese Federation.