Fifa permits dr congo world cup entry

Fifa reportedly allowed the Democratic Republic of the Congo to compete at this summer’s World Cup despite reports suggesting an internal investigation found the country had fielded an ineligible player in qualifying.

Lionel mpasi ineligible due to nationality

The goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who was born in France and played for Les Bleus at youth level, had never completed the process of switching nationalities, Fifa reportedly found.

Nigeria files complaint

The Nigerian Football Federation submitted a complaint over the DRC apparently fielding ineligible players during a World Cup playoff tie between the nations, which the DRC won on penalties, in November.

Fifa investigators aware before tournament

According to reporting by the New York Times and Le Monde, Fifa investigators were aware of Mpasi’s situation before the DRC defeated Jamaica in a final intercontinental playoff round in March.

Nigeria seeks compensation

Nigeria appealed against the decision and government representatives have suggested they could seek financial compensation for their loss, with a member of the national sports commission telling ESPN: "Nothing has been decided yet, but we will seriously consider seeking compensation from Fifa for all of the economic losses this has cost Nigeria."

“Nothing has been decided yet, but we will seriously consider seeking compensation from Fifa for all of the economic losses this has cost Nigeria.”

Fifa governance under scrutiny

The Norwegian football federation confirmed it had submitted a three-pronged complaint to Fifa over its governance, including the decision to overturn a red card awarded to the USA’s Folarin Balogun after a telephone intervention by Donald Trump.