Gianni Infantino under pressure over new World Cup scandal after allowing ineligible player

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing intensified scrutiny after reports revealed FIFA knowingly allowed DR Congo to field ineligible goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi during World Cup qualification. Although Nigeria formally raised the eligibility issue after their defeat to DR Congo, FIFA found the claims valid but declined to issue sanctions. Mpasi subsequently played against Jamaica, and DR Congo advanced to the World Cup knockout stage.

Nigeria and Jamaica are now exploring legal options and potential compensation claims against FIFA for missing out on the tournament. FIFA stated that Nigeria's protest was dismissed because it arrived too late. The scandal adds further pressure on Infantino ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential election in March.