Fifa yet to deliver verdict either way on Nigeria's World Cup petition against DR Congo

GLOBAL footballing body Fifa is yet to make any decision on Nigeria's petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo despite a flurry of false reports being published on the Internet regarding the World Cup dispute.

In November last year, the Leopards of DR Congo beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties in the final of the African World Cup play-off at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after a 1-1 draw. With this victory, the Congolese qualified to represent Africa in Fifa's inter-continental play-off taking place in March next year in Mexico, from where two teams will qualify for the World Cup.

However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) wrote to Fifa alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo breached its rules by fielding six ineligible players in the play-offs. A petition was sent to Fifa's headquarters in Zurich, requesting that the Congolese be disqualified for fielding ineligible players.

It had been expected that Fifa would deliver a verdict yesterday and the Internet was awash with stories in what appeared to be fans of both sides claiming victory. However, Fifa is yet to make any announcement on the matter and it appears that reports that a decision would be made yesterday are now false.

NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire, has described reports claiming a decision in favour of either Nigeria or DR Congo as false and misleading. He added that they have not received any information from Zurich on the matter.

Mr Olajire said: "There is no decision from Fifa at this time and any claims that a ruling has been made are false. Fifa has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation."

Nigeria's petition focused on DR Congo's domestic law, which largely prohibits dual citizenship for adults. According to the NFF, some Leopards players allegedly retained foreign passports without formally renouncing their previous citizenship, which makes them ineligible to play for DR Congo.

NFF general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi said the NFF submitted the petition to Fifa , raising concerns that the Congolese FA may have provided incomplete or misleading documentation when seeking clearance for these players. DR Congo has publicly rejected Nigeria's claims, urging the Super Eagles to accept the result on the pitch.

Hérita Ilunga, the director of Football at the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Association, said: "If you can't win on the pitch, don't try to win from the back door. The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence, not with lawyers' tricks."

However, Fifa  retains the authority to investigate allegations of fraud or document falsification and any confirmed wrongdoing could result in player bans, match forfeitures, or expulsion from competitions. However, the world body generally relies on passports and submitted documentation to determine eligibility at the time of clearance.