FIFA accused of ignoring warnings about the eligibility of the DR Congo goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup playoff

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing new allegations over the handling of a disciplinary case linked to the 2026 World Cup. According to The New York Times and Le Monde, FIFA lawyers allegedly informed the organization’s leadership in March that Lionel Mpasi, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s goalkeeper, was not eligible to play for the national team.

The world governing body’s lawyers allegedly recommended several sanctions, including disqualifying DR Congo from the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica, scheduled for the same month, as well as suspending the goalkeeper. However, FIFA’s leadership allegedly took no action, and Mpasi continued to play for DR Congo, including at the 2026 World Cup finals.

FIFA was contacted for comment on the reports but has so far provided no response. CONCACAF, the confederation representing Jamaica, said that eligibility issues must be thoroughly, consistently and fairly reviewed and resolved by FIFA’s competent bodies.

The reports increase the pressure on Infantino, who has already been criticized over the Folarin Balogun case and for handling a private investment plan intended to manage FIFA tournaments.