The last has not been heard about the world cup qualifiers playoff which was won by Dr Congo to represent Africa in the Intercontinental playoff for a ticket to the world cup, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Dr Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties to pick a ticket to represent Africa at the Intercontinental playoff for a spot at the 2026 World Cup, but they could be expelled from international football by FIFA before March when the playoff is expected to happen.
As many as six players of DR Congo switched nationality to represent them, but didn’t follow the due process which is renouncing their former citizenship before they can be said to be full time citizens of Dr Congo which doesn’t recognise dual citizenship.
If you are a Congolese citizen and acquire another citizenship, you are legally expected to give up one. The main area where dual nationality is temporarily permitted is for those who acquire a second citizenship by birth abroad and must make a choice by age 21.
However most of the players who played for them at the playoff crossed the age of 21 still holding the passport of another country, making them ineligible to represent the country as stated by FIFA, who are clear that having the passport of a country is not enough to be eligible to play for them.
FIFA we reliably gathered has already started an investigation into the anomaly Including allegations of falsification of documents for a particular player, who initially rejected the chance to play for them at the last AFCON.
If they are found guilty after the investigation, there is the likelihood that they will be expelled from international football for a while , starting with the upcoming continental playoff in Mexico next year , with Nigeria the team they defeated in the final taking their spot.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
