FIFA HAS LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS THAT THE DR CONGO FIELDED INELIGIBLE PLAYERS DURING THE AFRICAN QUALIFYING PLAYOFFS FOR THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP, A DEVELOPMENT THAT COULD REOPEN NIGERIA’S PATH TO THE TOURNAMENT. (PHOTO).
FIFA has reportedly launched an investigation into allegations that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) fielded ineligible players during the African qualifying playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a development that could reopen Nigeria’s path to the tournament. The Super Eagles were eliminated from the World Cup qualifying race after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the decisive playoff for Africa’s intercontinental qualifying spot. The tie ended 1–1 after extra time before DR Congo prevailed in the shootout. However, the result is now under scrutiny amid claims that several DR Congo players may not have met FIFA’s eligibility requirements. The ongoing probe reportedly centers on concerns that around nine players who featured for DR Congo may have switched national allegiances without completing the necessary legal and administrative procedures under Congolese law and FIFA regulations. DR Congo generally does not recognise dual citizenship, meaning players who...