FIFA would have cleared DR Congo goalkeeper for World Cup despite doubts

According to The New York Times, as reported by the Brazilian press, FIFA would have allowed DR Congo to take part in the 2026 World Cup despite questions over the eligibility of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

martyrs' stadium, à Kinshasa

Photo: Manart — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (new window)

FIFA would have approved the participation of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup despite questions over the eligibility of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, reports The New York Times, as cited by Gazeta Esportiva.

According to the American daily, FIFA would have allowed the player to take part in the World Cup even without complete documentation. Nigeria had flagged the case during the African qualifiers, but the rest of the matter is not specified.

Globo and UOL Esporte also mention this information, presenting the goalkeeper as having played irregularly.

Sources

  1. ge (Globo)Fifa permitiu que goleiro da RD Congo jogasse a Copa do Mundo de forma irregular, diz jornal (new window)ge.globo.com
  2. UOL EsporteFifa permitiu que RD Congo jogasse a Copa com goleiro irregular, diz jornal (new window)uol.com.br
  3. Gazeta EsportivaFifa teria permitido RD Congo na Copa mesmo com goleiro sem documentação, diz jornal (new window)gazetaesportiva.com