FIFA dismisses Wan-Bissaka eligibility claims, confirms DR Congo’s playoff spot secure

By Dayo Awoniyi

FIFA has firmly dismissed widespread rumours suggesting that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) could face disqualification for allegedly fielding an ineligible Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the 2025 CAF World Cup Playoff final in Morocco, Nigeria Footballng reports.

DR Congo sealed their place in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Playoff after defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw over 120 minutes.

However, in the days that followed, speculation escalated on social media and several online platforms claiming FIFA was reviewing DR Congo’s squad due to Wan-Bissaka’s involvement.

A senior FIFA official has now categorically debunked the rumours, stressing that no complaint or enquiry had been initiated regarding DR Congo’s qualification status.

“We have not received any protest or official complaint from any federation. There is absolutely no discussion regarding DR Congo’s disqualification,” the official said.

“The player in question has been eligible to represent DR Congo prior to the playoff match. On what grounds are these rumours emerging?”

Wan-Bissaka, born in England to Congolese parents, represented DR Congo at U20 level in 2015, before later appearing for England’s youth teams in 2018 and 2019. Despite being considered within England’s talent pool, he never made a senior appearance for the Three Lions.

In June 2025, he accepted a call-up for DR Congo friendlies, and on 22 August 2025, FIFA formally approved his one-time international switch.

He made his senior debut for DR Congo on 5 September 2025 in a World Cup qualifier against South Sudan—months before the CAF playoff—making him fully eligible.

With all documentation completed well ahead of the playoff, FIFA insists the controversy has no basis.

The senior official also expressed disappointment over the uproar, noting that while other nations are prioritising coaching development and infrastructure, parts of Nigeria’s football community appear focused on “looking for a back door” to reach the World Cup.

FIFA has confirmed that DR Congo’s playoff victory stands, and their place in the March 2026 intercontinental playoff in Mexico remains unaffected.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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