FIFA Faces Legal Threat from Nigeria Over Player Eligibility
FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, are under scrutiny following reports that FIFA lawyers determined Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible to play due to incomplete international allegiance switching from France. This finding was made three months before the World Cup, yet FIFA reportedly took no action against Congo DR, which went on to defeat Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off and reached the World Cup round of 32.
Nigeria lost to Congo DR in the African play-off final in November, succumbing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The Nigeria Football Federation claimed that Congo DR fielded multiple ineligible players, a complaint that FIFA's Disciplinary Committee rejected in March on a technicality.
Documents indicate that FIFA considered various options, including awarding Nigeria the win. An official from the National Sports Commission stated that Nigeria might seek damages.
FIFA has strongly rejected the allegations regarding Mpasi's eligibility and denied any involvement from Infantino.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Punch Newspapers. Read the original report below.
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