FIFA to decide on NFF protest over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players in February

By James Ike

The protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over the alleged fielding of ineligible players is expected to become a prolonged legal battle, investigations have revealed.

The NFF is challenging the eligibility of seven DR Congo players, accusing the Central African nation of violating its own constitutional provisions on citizenship.

According to documents exclusively gathered, the players in question are alleged to hold dual nationality, a status reportedly prohibited under DR Congo’s constitution, which forbids citizens from possessing another country’s passport.

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that FIFA is scheduled to deliver a ruling on the case in February, ahead of DR Congo’s participation in the intercontinental playoff.

Nigeria is seeking DR Congo’s disqualification from the competition, with the NFF insisting that the playoff slot should instead be awarded to the Super Eagles.

At the heart of FIFA’s investigation is how the affected players obtained Congolese passports submitted for international clearance without evidence of renouncing their other nationalities, as required by DR Congo’s laws.

FIFA is also expected to scrutinise whether the process of acquiring those passports complied fully with national legal frameworks.

A senior FIFA official, who spoke during the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), indicated that sporting eligibility alone may not be sufficient to override national legal requirements.

According to the official, not all players with ancestral or residential ties to another country automatically qualify to switch allegiance.

“The issue is not merely about acquiring a passport, but how it was obtained and whether it aligns with national laws,” the official said, referencing past sanctions imposed on Malaysia over similar breaches.

“If these standards are ignored, countries could simply issue passports indiscriminately to anyone to represent them.”

The decision, once delivered, is expected to have significant implications for international eligibility rules and the upcoming playoff fixtures involving both nations.