FIFA Delay Could Signal No Case Against DR Congo - Ex-Super Super Eagles Coach

FIFA Delay Could Signal No Case Against DR Congo - Ex-Super Super Eagles Coach 

By Niyi Busari 

Former Nigeria national football team head coach Jo Bonfrere has suggested that the delay by FIFA in ruling on a protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the DR Congo national football team may indicate that investigators have not found any significant wrongdoing, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The NFF had filed a complaint alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in their final FIFA world cup playoff against Nigeria in Morocco. 

Speaking in an interview with Complete Sports, Bonfrere said the continued delay in delivering a verdict could suggest that FIFA has yet to uncover evidence supporting Nigeria’s claim.

“I think FIFA do not seem to have found any wrongdoing by DR Congo in the petition. That could be the reason they are still investigating,” Bonfrere said.

The 79-year-old Dutchman added that FIFA has had sufficient time to review the allegations and should have reached a decision by now if there were clear breaches of regulations.

“Otherwise, I think it is quite enough time for FIFA to investigate the allegation and come up with a verdict,” he stated.

According to Bonfrere, the governing body’s continued silence less than two weeks before the crucial play-off fixtures raises questions about the strength of the complaint.

“FIFA still investigating Nigeria’s protest till now may show they have not seen anything wrong with DR Congo,” he explained.

“I think it is enough time for them to resolve the matter and release their verdict so the issue can rest. But keeping quiet—or should I say still investigating it—less than two weeks before the play-off kicks off could mean they have not found anything wrong with DR Congo.”

The intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are scheduled to take place in Mexico City, Mexico, from March 23 to 31, 2026. The World Cup tournament itself will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by Mexico, United States, and Canada.