London, Oct 6. (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, is facing fresh questions over a World Cup disciplinary issue, this time related to DR Congo’s goalkeeper.
The New York Times and Le Monde, have reported that lawyers for world football’s global governing body became aware in March that Lionel Mpasi, was allegedly ineligible, and advised a variety of sanctions which could be imposed, including disqualifying DR Congo from the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica later that month and banning Mpasi.
Instead, the outlets reported no action was taken, and Mpasi went on to play for DR Congo at the finals in North America. The reports pile further pressure on Infantino, following on from the Folarin Balogun case, and the Swiss’ handling of a plan for private investment in a commercial vehicle to run FIFA’s tournaments including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
United States striker Balogun’s one-match ban for a red card was suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, allowing him to play in their last-16 match against Belgium.
US President Donald Trump, later admitted he had personally called Infantino to review the sanction, raising concerns around political interference within FIFA.
In that case, FIFA has denied there was any intervention by Infantino, and that its disciplinary committee is wholly independent.
FIFA has been approached for comment regarding the DR Congo case reports. The confederation representing Jamaica, DR Congo’s intercontinental play-off opponents, said: “CONCACAF takes player eligibility matters very seriously and expects the applicable regulations and procedures to be applied consistently and fairly in all competitions. “Any concerns regarding player eligibility, particularly those that may affect the integrity of a competition or the interests of one of our member associations, should be thoroughly reviewed and addressed through FIFA’s appropriate governance and disciplinary bodies, in accordance with established regulations and due process.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also been approached for comment. The Norwegian federation has also filed complaints with FIFA’s ethics committee and its governance, audit and compliance committee over the Balogun case, the private investor plan and the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize last year to President Trump.
GNA