DR Congo Ineligible Player: NFF Sent Petition to Wrong Email — FIFA

FIFA reportedly rejected Nigeria’s petition challenging the eligibility of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi partly because the Nigeria Football Federation sent its complaint to the wrong email address.

The development has renewed controversy over Nigeria’s failed attempt to challenge DR Congo’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Leopards defeated the Super Eagles on penalties in the African play-off final.

According to reports citing a source within Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, FIFA said the NFF sent its petition to the office of the General Secretary instead of using the designated legal portal for such complaints.

The procedural issue was reportedly among the grounds used to dismiss Nigeria’s case. Another major issue was the timing of the complaint, with FIFA maintaining that the petition was not filed within the required period.

The controversy comes after fresh reports indicated that FIFA officials were aware of concerns surrounding Mpasi’s international eligibility. The goalkeeper, who was born in France and previously represented the country at youth level, had switched his international allegiance to DR Congo.

Nigeria had argued that Mpasi had not completed the required nationality-switch process before representing DR Congo against the Super Eagles.

The two teams finished the play-off final 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties, securing a place in the intercontinental play-offs.

FIFA’s handling of the eligibility issue has since attracted renewed scrutiny, particularly following reports that the governing body was aware of questions surrounding Mpasi’s status.

The NFF had maintained that its complaint was intended to draw FIFA’s attention to alleged breaches involving DR Congo players. The federation subsequently appealed FIFA’s decision rejecting its petition.

The latest revelation about the email channel adds another layer to the dispute, with questions now being raised over whether Nigeria’s case was rejected primarily on substantive grounds or because of procedural shortcomings.

The controversy remains focused on whether the alleged eligibility issue should have been examined despite the technical problems surrounding the NFF’s submission.