FIFA Final verdict on Nigeria VS DR Congo 2026 World Cup Qualifier Protest

Описание: Under FIFA Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, a player seeking to change association must: •Submit a formal request for change of association; •Receive written approval from FIFA; •Await official confirmation before participating in an “A” international match. 8.While Player X had initiated the nationality switch process, the required formal approval from FIFA had not been issued prior to the Best Losers Playoff match. http://9.No provisional clearance or temporary authorization had been granted. 10.The player therefore did not meet the eligibility requirements at the time of participation. ⸻ IV. Applicable Regulations 11.Article 9 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes stipulates that a player may only represent a new association after approval of the change of association request. 12.Article 21 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code provides that a team fielding an ineligible player shall forfeit the match. 13.Playoff matches are considered official competition matches and are subject to strict eligibility compliance. ⸻ V. Decision Accordingly, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee rules as follows: 1.Player X of the DR Congo national football team was ineligible at the time of the Best Losers Playoff match due to an incomplete nationality switch. 2.DR Congo is deemed to have fielded an ineligible player. 3.The playoff match is declared forfeited. 4.The result is recorded as: •DR Congo 0 – 3 Nigeria 5.The Nigeria national football team is declared winner of the Best Losers Playoff Round. 6.Nigeria is thereby awarded qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 7.The DR Congo national football team is disqualified from the playoff pathway but retains the right to appeal before the FIFA Appeals Committee. ⸻ VI. Observations The Committee emphasizes that nationality switch procedures are fundamental to preserving competitive integrity in international football. Participation without formal approval, even if administrative processing is underway, constitutes a clear regulatory violation. Strict compliance is mandatory, particularly in high-stakes playoff fixtures determining World Cup qualification