According to The Sun on October 6, the Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper who nearly caused England an upset at the America-Canada-Mexico World Cup was, according to FIFA documents, ineligible to participate in the tournament.

In the World Cup Round of 16 match in Atlanta, DR Congo goalkeeper M'Pasi-Nzau made a series of brilliant saves before England captain Kane scored twice late in the game, helping England advance.

Senior FIFA officials knew the 32-year-old French-born goalkeeper had not completed all necessary procedures for changing his nationality to represent DR Congo.

This puts additional pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as FIFA was already aware of Nzau's ineligibility before he played in the intercontinental playoff final against Jamaica in March.

Nzau, who was born in Meaux, a suburb of Paris, represented various French youth teams 12 times in 2010 and 2011.

FIFA rules allow players to change nationality, and Nzau, who plays for Le Havre in Ligue 1, made his DR Congo debut in 2022.

However, after DR Congo eliminated Nigeria in October, Nigeria filed a complaint regarding Nzau's eligibility and that of other DR Congo players, prompting a FIFA investigation.

Nigeria's appeal was ultimately rejected on what FIFA described as "technical grounds." FIFA also stated: "The committees are independent and make decisions based on the applicable rules and the specific facts before them."

However, the investigation results now reveal that senior officials of the DR Congo Football Federation never completed the necessary naturalization procedures for Nzau.

FIFA officials had mentioned possible penalties, including awarding the victory to Nigeria, but later objected on the grounds that the appeal was submitted too late.

Nevertheless, Nzau was allowed to play against Jamaica and later became a standout performer at the World Cup. This incident has drawn a strong reaction from CONCACAF.

In a statement, CONCACAF said: "Any concerns regarding player eligibility, especially those that could affect the integrity of the game or the interests of our member associations, need to be thoroughly reviewed and properly addressed."

While such issues typically do not directly implicate Infantino, his close relationship with Veron Mosengo-Omba, who later became president of the DR Congo Football Association, has raised questions about potential interference.

Mosengo-Omba, born in Switzerland, is a long-time acquaintance of Infantino's; they studied law together at the University of Fribourg. Mosengo-Omba worked for Infantino at UEFA and FIFA, and later served as Secretary General of CAF. In March this year, he resigned from that position and took over the DR Congo Football Association in May.

It is reported that Infantino's opponents, including UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, will use this latest development as ammunition to continue pushing for Infantino's removal, although they currently lack a clear alternative candidate. However, this news may divide some of Infantino's supporters in the African bloc.

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