FIFA says the Nigeria Football Federation sent its complaint against the Democratic Republic of Congo to the wrong email address, giving the world football body another reason to dismiss the case.
The NFF had complained that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup African playoff final against Nigeria.
Nigeria lost the match 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 following extra time in Rabat, Morocco, in November 2025.
The row centres partly on DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, with reports later claiming that FIFA officials had concerns about whether he had completed the required process to switch his international allegiance from France.
FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s complaint on procedural grounds, including the timing of the filing.
According to the National Sports Commission, FIFA also said the NFF sent its petition to the office of the FIFA general secretary instead of using the legal portal.
The NSC described that explanation as “a laughable claim,” arguing that petitions and correspondence are normally sent to the general secretary’s office before being directed to the appropriate department.
“Another ground was that it was filed late,” the NSC said.
“A lame excuse because doing the right thing after an infraction of such magnitude shouldn’t be time barred.”
FIFA’s handling of the case has come under renewed scrutiny following an investigation by The New York Times, which reported that FIFA’s legal officials had identified concerns about Mpasi’s eligibility.
FIFA, however, has maintained that there were no eligibility issues affecting DR Congo’s matches against Jamaica or at the 2026 World Cup.
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