NFF: FIFA Misled Over DR Congo Players’ Citizenship Status

NFF: FIFA Misled Over DR Congo Players’ Citizenship Status

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has alleged that FIFA was misinformed before approving the eligibility of some DR Congo players who are believed to have violated the country’s laws on citizenship.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, explained that the matter stemmed from a loophole in the verification process, as FIFA relies on documentation provided by national associations rather than domestic legal interpretation.

“FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not its duty to interpret or implement national citizenship laws,” Sanusi remarked in a statement.

He noted that DR Congo’s legal framework prohibits dual citizenship, yet several players who featured for the national team allegedly hold passports from other countries in addition to Congolese nationality.

“FIFA cannot be expected to know or apply the internal laws of every country,” he continued. “That is why we took formal steps to alert them to the situation, and we are currently awaiting their decision.”

The NFF lodged a formal protest with FIFA earlier in the month, maintaining that the use of such players compromised the fairness of competitions in which Nigeria participated.

The federation expressed optimism that the matter will be resolved transparently and in line with international football regulations.