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Nigeria have filed a formal complaint to FIFA over alleged ineligible players used by DR Congo in World Cup qualifiers, raising the possibility of sanctions and a major African football controversy.
African football could be heading towards a serious controversy just months before the intercontinental play-offs for the World Cup, after Nigeria’s Football Federation submitted a formal complaint to FIFA over alleged eligibility breaches by Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Arise News, Nigeria claim that DR Congo fielded nine players in the qualifiers who were not legally eligible to represent the country at the time. The alleged irregularities relate to changes of sporting nationality shortly before a decisive match between the two sides.
High-profile names involved
Among the players named in the complaint are Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Charles Pickel Sadiki, all of whom have previous international or club ties outside DR Congo.
Officials from the Congolese federation have reportedly acknowledged that the administrative procedures required for changing sporting nationality were not completed on time, despite the players featuring in competitive matches.
Legal complications over nationality
The situation is further complicated by the fact that DR Congo’s constitution does not allow dual nationality. Nigerian officials argue that several of the players in question never formally renounced their previous citizenships, which could represent a direct violation of both national law and FIFA regulations.
If these claims are upheld, FIFA could annul the results of matches in which the players appeared. Such a decision would potentially strip DR Congo of their place in the final intercontinental play-off, dramatically altering the qualification picture.
World Cup play-off at stake
DR Congo have already been paired to face the winner of the play-off between New Caledonia and Jamaica, a match scheduled to take place in Mexico in March next year. Acceptance of Nigeria’s complaint could see that place reassigned, triggering what many fear would be one of the biggest scandals in African football in recent years.
FIFA have not yet issued an official response, but the case is expected to be closely examined given the stakes involved and the proximity of the decisive matches.