The Ineligible Player Scandal: Why Did Fifa Permit Dr Congo to Compete?
The escalation from a routine administrative check to an international legal dispute unfolded over twelve chaotic months. The following record documents the key interventions, disputed matches, and administrative decisions.
| Date | Official Action / Milestone | Direct Sporting Impact |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | FECOFA files switch request; eligibility desk requests ancestral proof. | Player remains provisional; no formal international clearance issued. |
| March 2026 | Player starts two CAF World Cup qualification matches without clearance. | DR Congo secures 4 crucial points; rivals file formal match protests. |
| June 2026 | FIFA Disciplinary Committee closes review without imposing sanctions. | Match results confirmed; DR Congo clinches qualification position. |
| October 2026 | Investigative reporting exposes suppressed internal eligibility warnings. | Rival member associations file emergency appeals to CAS in Lausanne. |
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