A story that began with Nigeria losing an African playoff final on penalties has become the deepest challenge yet to Gianni Infantino’s FIFA leadership.

The eligibility claim centres on Lionel Mpasi, a former France youth international who kept goal for DR Congo throughout their qualifying run but never completed the FIFA paperwork required to switch his international allegiance. According to documents reviewed by The New York Times, FIFA’s own legal officials identified the problem in March 2026 and laid out options: award the Nigeria tie to the Super Eagles, impose fines, replace DR Congo with Nigeria in the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica, or do nothing. FIFA chose the last.

Mpasi started in goal in November 2025 as DR Congo and Nigeria drew 1-1 over 120 minutes in the African playoff final, with DR Congo winning 4-3 on penalties. He was also between the posts on 31 March 2026 when DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 after extra time to seal their first World Cup qualification in half a century.

Nigeria’s complaint, dismissed on timing

Nigeria lodged its complaint after being knocked out, alleging DR Congo had fielded between six and nine ineligible players. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled the complaint inadmissible, saying it had been filed outside the required procedural window and that the ruling had become final because no appeal was lodged through the proper channels.

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Ibrahim Musa Gusau, then president of the Nigeria Football Federation, told The New York Times that officials were kept in the dark about what FIFA knew.

“They just kept quiet, and they can’t tell anyone because they know it’s going to be a serious crisis for them.”

The National Sports Commission has since said Nigeria is exploring every option, including a compensation claim covering lost tournament revenue, sponsorship and player exposure.

Jamaica calls for consistent application

Jamaica, which lost the intercontinental final to DR Congo, has not threatened legal action but has pointed to the same files. Their regional body addressed the issue directly.

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“CONCACAF takes player eligibility matters very seriously and expects the applicable regulations and procedures to be applied consistently and fairly in all competitions,” the confederation said.

The New York Times reporting also raised questions about Infantino’s relationship with Véron Mosengo-Omba, who was elected president of the DR Congo football federation two months after his country sealed qualification. FIFA has pushed back, stressing the independence of its judicial bodies and denying that Infantino intervened.

The qualifying result still stands

DR Congo played at the 2026 World Cup won by Spain in July; Nigeria and Jamaica did not. Nigeria has not yet filed suit, and FIFA has not announced any fresh review of the Mpasi file.

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