No Protest Filed: NFF, FIFA Reactions Unveil The Truth Behind DR Congo’s Disqualification Speculation

No Protest Filed: NFF, FIFA Reactions Unveil The Truth Behind DR Congo’s Disqualification Speculation

By Niyi Busari 

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has dismissed circulating reports suggesting that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) could be disqualified for fielding an ineligible player right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the 2025 CAF World Cup Playoff final in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

DR Congo defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw across 120 minutes, securing a place in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.

In the days following the match, unverified claims spread across various media channels alleging that FIFA was reviewing DR Congo’s eligibility due to the inclusion of Wan-Bissaka. However, when contacted by BSN Sports, a senior FIFA official dismissed the rumors as unfounded.

 “We have not received any protest or official complaint from any federation. He told BSN Sports.

 "There is absolutely no discussion regarding DR Congo’s disqualification,” the official added.

“The player in question has been eligible to represent DR Congo prior to the playoff match. On what grounds are these rumors emerging?”

Wan-Bissaka’s Eligibility Confirmed

Wan-Bissaka, born in England to Congolese parents, represented DR Congo at the U20 level in 2015 before switching to England’s youth teams between 2018 and 2019. Despite early commitment to England and later competition from several established right-backs, he never made a senior appearance for the Three Lions.

In June 2025, Wan-Bissaka accepted a call-up for DR Congo friendlies, and on 22 August 2025, FIFA officially approved his request to switch international allegiance. He made his senior debut for DR Congo on 5 September 2025 in a World Cup qualifier against South Sudan.

Given FIFA’s formal approval months before the CAF playoff, officials insist there is no legal basis for questioning his participation.

NFF Declines Comment

Asked whether the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had lodged or planned to lodge a protest with FIFA or CAF, NFF Secretary General Sanusi Mohammed declined to comment after BSN Sports demanded response.

The FIFA official, however, criticized the speculation surrounding the matter, remarking that while other nations focus on developing coaching structures and sporting infrastructure, Nigerian football stakeholders appear distracted by “looking for a back door” to reach the World Cup.