Nigeria has filed a petition with the International Football Federation (FIFA) alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo has fielded ineligible players in African qualifiers for next year’s World Cup, an NFF (Nigerian Football Federation) spokesperson said.
The Democratic Republic of Congo beat Nigeria on penalties last month, keeping alive their hopes of making the tournament in North America, and are set to take part in an intercontinental play-off in March, where six teams will compete for two places in the 48-team final.
The NFF said several players with dual nationality were released to play for Congo without meeting the required criteria.
“Congolese rules stipulate that you cannot have dual nationality,” said NFF secretary general Mohammed Sanusi. “There are many who have a European passport, some have a French passport, some have a Dutch passport.”
“The FIFA regulations say that once you have your country’s passport, you are eligible. As far as we are concerned, they are eligible, that’s why they were released by FIFA. But our contention is that FIFA was induced into issuing them, because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to ensure that the Congo regulations are respected,” the official said.
“FIFA follows its own rules, and based on what was presented to them, they made them public. But we say it was fraudulent.”
The federation of the Democratic Republic of Congo rejected these allegations.
“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win through the back door,” Fecoca (Congolese Football Federation) said in a message posted on social media.
“The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyer tricks. Bring on the tournament.”
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
About The Author
