According to the newspaper, FIFA knew even before the decisive World Cup qualifying match against Jamaica, which Congo-Kinshasa won 1–0, that Mpasi was not eligible to represent the country.
The issue is his dual citizenship. Mpasi played for France at youth level, and Congo-Kinshasa has been seeking approval for him to switch national teams since 2021. Despite that, he has represented the country since 2022.
FIFA reportedly considered a complaint from Nigeria, but its disciplinary committee rejected the case on procedural grounds.
Congo-Kinshasa knocked Nigeria out earlier in the qualifiers.
Mpasi also played in the World Cup, where Congo-Kinshasa reached the round of 16 before losing to England. He plays regularly for Le Havre.
