FIFA has rejected concerns over the eligibility of Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, ending speculation that an administrative issue could affect the Leopards’ 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
The controversy followed reports in the international media claiming that Mpasi had featured in World Cup qualifying matches before the Congolese football federation, FECOFA, had completed a change-of-affiliation process that began in 2021.
Reports by Le Monde and the New York Times, based on internal documents, raised questions over whether the goalkeeper had been properly cleared to represent DR Congo.
The issue attracted attention because a breach of the relevant disciplinary regulations could potentially have resulted in the national team being disqualified from the competition.
However, FIFA has now moved to dismiss those concerns.
According to information reported by German publication Kicker, the world governing body was contacted directly by the German Press Agency (DPA) about Mpasi’s status.
FIFA subsequently denied that there was an eligibility problem involving the goalkeeper.
The governing body confirmed that there is no regulatory obstacle affecting Mpasi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers or, if DR Congo qualify, the final tournament itself.
The clarification provides relief for the Congolese national team after the reports created uncertainty around the goalkeeper’s international status.
Mpasi has been part of DR Congo’s World Cup qualification campaign, but the reports surrounding his administrative status had raised the possibility of a serious consequence for the Leopards if he was deemed ineligible.
Such a ruling could have threatened the team’s position in the qualifying competition.
FIFA’s response, however, indicates that no such action is currently required and that Mpasi’s participation does not breach the regulations governing player eligibility.
FECOFA has so far chosen not to publicly respond to the media reports.
The federation’s silence comes as FIFA’s clarification provides reassurance over the sporting consequences of the issue.
With the governing body confirming that there is no regulatory obstacle, DR Congo can continue its World Cup campaign without the immediate threat of a disciplinary challenge over Mpasi’s eligibility.
The episode nevertheless highlights the administrative challenges that can arise when national teams deal with players whose international affiliations require formal changes.
Mpasi’s case dates back to a change-of-affiliation process initiated by FECOFA in 2021. The reports questioned whether that process had been fully completed before he represented the Leopards in the World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA’s intervention has now provided a clear position on the matter, with the organisation confirming that the goalkeeper remains eligible.
The clarification also removes the immediate uncertainty surrounding his potential participation at the 2026 World Cup should DR Congo secure qualification.
