Ineligible to Play? FIFA Faces Possible Scandal

Is FIFA facing a second scandal after the commotion surrounding Folarin Balogun's suspended red card ban in the aftermath of the World Cup?

Reports from the New York Times and Le Monde suggest this. Specifically, it concerns a change of national association for DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. He had previously played for France's youth national teams, and FIFA's legal experts had determined during an investigation that the documents for the switch to DR Congo had not been finalized.

No Action Despite Doubts

Citing internal documents and sources, the New York Times and Le Monde reported that FIFA had examined options due to doubts about Mpasi's eligibility to play, which ranged from a fine to a qualifying exclusion. However, no action was taken. Mpasi was on the field in all of DR Congo's World Cup matches and advanced to the round of 16 with the team.

The starting point of FIFA's investigation was a complaint from the Nigerian federation. Nigeria had missed the intercontinental playoffs due to a defeat against Congo in the CAF playoff. The federation's complaint was dismissed on procedural grounds.

Congo President as Infantino Ally

As the New York Times reports, Veron Mosengo-Omba, the current president of the Congolese federation, was reportedly preparing his candidacy at the time of the investigation. Mosengo-Omba was previously the General Secretary of CAF and is considered an ally of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Infantino has no influence on such decisions, FIFA emphasized to the New York Times. FIFA's committees are "autonomous and decide on cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts presented in each instance."

CAF Federations Support Infantino

Gianni Infantino is currently preparing for the 2027 FIFA presidential election. While several European federations have already withdrawn their support from the controversial president, numerous other federations continue to support Infantino.

Several federations from Asia and Africa have also already signaled their support (more on this >>>).