FIFA allegedly hid ineligible player to aid DRC's World Cup bid

Internal FIFA documents reveal the organization deliberately covered up the ineligibility of a player on the Democratic Republic of Congo national team during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite clear breaches of its regulations, FIFA did not impose any disciplinary action, enabling the Leopards to progress and later be eliminated by England in the round of 16. The case underscores President Gianni Infantino’s interventionist stance, reminiscent of the reversal of a red-card decision against US forward Folarin Balogun after direct pressure from Donald Trump.

Infantino, who is seeking a third term in the 2027 presidential election, has been courting support from African members of the Confederation of African Football. He attended a CAF strategic conference in Cape Verde in early October, signaling his reliance on African backing amid broader governance challenges.