FIFA Rejects Nigeria’s DR Congo Protest Over Wrong Email, Late Filing

Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo over the alleged use of an ineligible player was reportedly rejected by FIFA partly because the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) submitted the complaint to the wrong email address.

The controversy followed DR Congo’s 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the World Cup qualifying playoff. The match ended 1-1 after extra time before the Leopards prevailed from the spot to secure a place in the intercontinental playoff.

Nigeria had challenged the eligibility of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, alleging that he did not meet the requirements for switching his international allegiance from France to Congo before featuring in the match.

According to The New York Times, FIFA examined Nigeria’s complaint but ultimately rejected it on technical grounds, including an issue with the timing of the submission.

A highly placed source at the National Sports Commission (NSC) disclosed that FIFA also pointed to the fact that the NFF had sent its petition to the General Secretary (GS), rather than submitting it through the legal portal.

The source questioned the basis of the decision, arguing that official complaints and correspondence are ordinarily first directed to the General Secretary, who then responds to member associations or provides guidance on where specific complaints should be forwarded.

The source described the argument as difficult to accept, particularly given the seriousness of the alleged player eligibility issue.

FIFA also reportedly ruled that Nigeria’s petition was filed late.

That position has attracted criticism, with opponents arguing that a substantive eligibility violation should not be dismissed simply because of the timing of the complaint.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the NFF’s handling of the protest, as well as FIFA’s decision to reject the case on procedural grounds rather than determine the substantive eligibility question.

Nigeria’s failure to overturn the result means DR Congo remain on course for the intercontinental playoff after their dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Super Eagles.

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