By Saidu Abubakar
After the New York Times, Le Monde and The Athletic investigation has revealed it, Nigeria is still in cogitation mood as regards filing a compensation claim to FIFA following Democratic Republic of Congo eligibility revelations involving goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The NYT had reported thus: FIFA Found a Player Ineligible. His Team Played in the World Cup Anyway: “Officials determined that a goalkeeper from the DR Congo did not have the correct paperwork, documents showed. But no action was taken, renewing questions about FIFA’s governance.” This apparently refers to the 2026 World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria and DR Congo in which Lionel Mpasi saved two penalties.
On moral grounds, Nigeria looks vindicated, considering the NYT confirmation that FIFA found the player ineligible. Legally for compensation, the odds are low unless Nigeria goes to Swiss court and proves FIFA negligence caused some quantifiable losses. Most likely outcome is FIFA fines DR Congo Federation, issues statement, and Nigeria uses report to pressure for reforms and maybe a goodwill development fund, rather than direct compensation.
FIFA’s own legal team had found, in March 2026, that DR Congo goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi was ineligible, having played for France U17/U18 but DR Congo never completed his switch of association.
Subsequently, FIFA lawyers drafted 4 options therefrom: award the match to Nigeria; fine DR Congo; replace DR Congo with Nigeria vs Jamaica; or dismiss on “late” filing. FIFA, however, chose option 4 – dismissed NFF protest as late/procedural – and allowed Mpasi and DR Congo to beat Jamaica and go to the World Cup, where they drew Portugal and bowed to England in Round of 32.
What Nigeria is saying
A senior official at the National Sports Commission (NSC) told ESPN that Nigeria has been vindicated and is “exploring all options” including seeking compensation from FIFA.
The official listed losses: “The revenue that the Super Eagles and the NFF would have received from participating at the World Cup, the exposure that players would have got, transfers, sponsorship fees, even the boost to the Nigerian economy.”
Can Nigeria succeed in the pursuit of compensation money? Very difficult. Can they succeed to re-open the case and get moral win? More possible, but not World Cup reinstatement.
The snag is that FIFA rarely pays compensation for missing a tournament. There is no precedent of FIFA paying any Federation because they missed a World Cup due to eligibility error. FIFA’s income is distributed only to participants. Nigeria would have to sue in Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) or Swiss civil court for damages, and prove direct economic loss caused by FIFA’s negligence, even as FIFA could hide behind its statute: “field of play and disciplinary decisions are final” and “protest must be filed within 24-48h” to quash Nigeria’s case.
Legit.ng and Get More Sports also reported that the NSC says nothing decided yet, but compensation will be seriously considered for economic losses from missing 2026 World Cup.
Jamaica/CONCACAF also said eligibility matters should be “thoroughly reviewed and addressed”, while FIFA said its committees are autonomous and Gianni Infantino has no role.
No formal claim filed yet at FIFA/CAS – it’s still at the “weighing options” stage, Valuechain gathered as at early October.
FIFA has already dismissed NFF’s protest as “late” – that’s their shield. Even if internal lawyers knew about Mpasi in March, FIFA would say NFF didn’t follow correct procedure on time. But the stronger argument Nigeria actually has is fraud/ineligibility has no time limit. FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 14: using an ineligible player = forfeiture. And Article 9 says fraud has no statute of limitations.
NYT documents
• FIFA knew before Jamaica playoff
• They had 4 options including awarding Nigeria the win
• They chose procedural dismissal
If Nigeria can prove FIFA knowingly allowed an ineligible player after discovering it, CAS could find abuse of process which, of course, have some consequences.
“FIFA confirms that there was no issue regarding eligibility during DR Congo’s matches against Jamaica and at the 2026 World Cup… The complaint was considered by Disciplinary Committee and dismissed,” the world football governing body insists
Similar cases: Bolivia 2018 WCQ used Nelson Cabrera – Bolivia forfeited 2 games to Peru/Chile. Also, Greece U21 2016 used ineligible player – forfeited. So Nigeria’s case, the sporting remedy should have been forfeiture by DR Congo.
What would “success” look like in reality? World Cup re-entry? Impossible! Tournament is in knockout stage in 2026, results can’t be undone.
DR Congo sanctioned retroactively? Possible – fine, suspension, Mpasi banned. That would vindicate NFF.
Financial settlement? Only if FIFA wants to avoid bigger scandal under Infantino. Front Office Sports notes Norway FA already filed ethics complaints against Infantino over this and other issues. A small “solidarity” payment to NFF to close matter is plausible, but not full $10-15m World Cup participation money.
Legal win at CAS? NFF would need to prove FIFA acted in bad faith. CAS tends to defer to FIFA on eligibility, unless corruption proven.
The NFF should tow the smarter route – not “pay us” but declare DR Congo guilty, void their results and sanction FIFA legal department.
While Qatar Tribune noted FIFA rejected allegations as “unfounded” the NYT stood by documents.
On November 18, 2009 — France vs Ireland, World Cup playoff 2nd leg at Stade de France. Thierry Henry controlled ball twice with left hand, crossed for William Gallas header: 1-1 (2-1 agg). Ireland out. Ref Martin Hansson missed it. Gallas also offside.
Ireland demanded replay or 33rd team slot. FIFA refused.
Then the secret deal:
January 2010 — FIFA paid FAI €5 million (about $7m then). Officially called “interest-free loan to avoid legal action” and to stop threatened lawsuit. FAI chief John Delaney said: “We felt we had a legal case against FIFA.”
Deal kept confidential until Delaney revealed it on RTE in June 2015 during FIFA corruption scandal. FAI published 4-page agreement signed by FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, Deputy Markus Kattner, and Delaney. Loan was later written off in 2014 after Ireland missed 2010 and 2014 World Cups. FIFA acknowledged it, called it settlement.
That’s why Nigeria’s NSC cites it now as precedent — if FIFA paid Ireland for referee error, they should compensate Nigeria for eligibility cover-up.