FIFA secretly allowed the Democratic Republic of Congo to field an ineligible goalkeeper during the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs. Internal documents reveal FIFA officials determined Congo player Lionel Mpasi was ineligible after he played for France's youth teams, yet the governing body permitted the team to continue. Congo defeated Jamaica to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 52 years.
The decision drew scrutiny after FIFA lifted a U.S. player suspension following a call between President Trump and President Infantino. Nigeria filed the initial eligibility complaint after losing to Congo. While FIFA dismissed the case on a technicality, the organization faced criticism for inconsistent enforcement.
In 2016 and 2018, FIFA imposed penalties for similar violations. The ruling contributed to the resignation of the Nigerian football federation's board. FIFA controls the most-watched event in soccer, with the 2026 tournament generating over $15 billion.
The governing body maintains it dismissed the case based on regulations, denying President Infantino interfered in the decision.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing