Gianni Infantino faces scrutiny over DR Congo goalkeeper eligibility
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 11:18 AM
Last updated Oct 6, 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under renewed scrutiny following reports about DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi's eligibility during the World Cup. Mpasi, who played against England in a 2-1 defeat, was reportedly deemed ineligible by FIFA lawyers in March, but no action was taken before the finals. This situation raises concerns about FIFA's handling of player eligibility and disciplinary actions, especially in light of other controversies like the Folarin Balogun case. FIFA has been approached for comments regarding the implications of these reports. The Norwegian federation has filed complaints related to the Balogun case and other governance issues.
- •Lionel Mpasi played for DR Congo against England.
- •FIFA lawyers flagged Mpasi's eligibility back in March.
- •Concerns have been raised about FIFA's handling of player sanctions.
- •The Norwegian federation filed complaints with FIFA's ethics committee.
- •FIFA has yet to comment on the eligibility matter involving Mpasi.
- 11:18 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA, Infantino facing fresh scrutiny over DR Congo keeper eligibility
- 11:07 AMYahoo Sports — Gianni Infantino faces fresh World Cup eligibility scandal over goalkeeper who played against England
"FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing fresh questions over a World Cup disciplinary issue, this time related to DR Congo's goalkeeper. The New York Times and Le Monde have reported that lawyers for world football's global governing body became aware in March that Lionel Mpasi was allegedly ineligible, and advised a variety of sanctions which could be imposed, including disqualifying DR Congo from the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica later that month and banning Mpasi.
"Lionel Mpasi faced England at the World Cup, but questions have now been raised over his eligibility
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 6, 2026, 11:18 AMFIFA, Infantino facing fresh scrutiny over DR Congo keeper eligibility
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing fresh questions over a World Cup disciplinary issue, this time related to DR Congo's goalkeeper. The New York Times and Le Monde have reported that lawyers for world football's global governing body became aware in March that Lionel Mpasi was allegedly ineligible, and advised a variety of sanctions which could be imposed, including disqualifying DR Congo from the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica later that month and banning Mpasi.
- Yahoo SportsOct 6, 2026, 11:07 AMGianni Infantino faces fresh World Cup eligibility scandal over goalkeeper who played against England
Lionel Mpasi faced England at the World Cup, but questions have now been raised over his eligibility
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
FIFA World Cup•Oct 6, 2026, 5:39 AMOwner, businessman & player: Messi has big plans as a golden era ends
FIFA World Cup•Oct 6, 2026, 1:36 AMJesse Marsch, Canada want to challenge USMNT, Mexico for CONCACAF supremacy
FIFA World Cup•Oct 6, 2026, 1:20 AMCristiano Ronaldo Announces Decision to Exit Portugal Squad Camp
FIFA World Cup•Oct 5, 2026, 12:00 PMWhy Chelsea’s Malo Gusto missed out on France squad
FIFA World Cup•Oct 5, 2026, 8:20 AMNational team manager faces criticism over Barcelona youngster’s limited role
FIFA World Cup•Oct 5, 2026, 7:50 AMJürgen Klopp confirms Germany squad will be reduced in November