By our Reporter
FIFA has dismissed Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo over the alleged use of an unqualified player in the World Cup qualifiers.
DR Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after both teams remained 1-1 after extra time, securing a place in the intercontinental playoff.
Nigeria had protested the participation of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, claiming he had not fulfilled the requirements to switch his nationality from France to Congo before playing in the match.
According to The New York Times, FIFA found that the complaint did not meet the nationality requirements but dismissed Nigeria’s appeal on “technical grounds,” reportedly including late filing.
A highly placed source at the National Sports Commission (NSC) said FIFA also cited the fact that the petition was sent to the General Secretary rather than through the legal portal, with the email used to submit it reportedly not being the correct one.
The source described this as a questionable reason, arguing that all petitions and correspondence are first routed to the General Secretary, who often responds to countries or directs them to the appropriate department.
The source also rejected FIFA’s late-filing argument, saying that doing the right thing after an infraction of such magnitude should not be time-barred.
The source described the grounds for dismissing the protest as a “lame excuse,” while the decision has now placed FIFA under intense scrutiny.
The report suggests Nigeria’s complaint was not dismissed because FIFA conclusively ruled that Mpasi was eligible, but because of procedural issues surrounding how and when the protest was submitted.
