Category: Football Africa

by FSL News

Lionel Mpasi Controversy Puts FIFA and Infantino Under Pressure

A controversy surrounding DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s eligibility has heightened scrutiny of FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino.

Mpasi contributed significantly to the DRC’s performance in the 2026 World Cup, helping the team reach the round of 32 before their defeat by England.

However, it has been reported that FIFA attorneys were aware as early as March, three months prior to the tournament, that Mpasi was ineligible to play for the Leopards.

Concerns regarding the use of ineligible players by DR Congo were raised in December 2025, when Nigeria filed a complaint alleging improper player usage during World Cup qualifying.

DR Congo ultimately prevailed against Nigeria in a penalty shootout, securing their place in the World Cup. Cameroon had also previously expressed concerns over the eligibility of several Congolese players born in Europe.

Critics argue this incident highlights a tendency within FIFA to overlook regulations in favour of political allies.

FIFA has refuted claims that its handling of Mpasi’s eligibility was influenced by support for Veron Mosengo-Omba, the newly elected president of the Congo football federation, stating that Infantino was not involved in the decision-making.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to comment publicly, while CONCACAF has stressed the need for consistent eligibility regulations.

Nigeria is considering seeking financial compensation from FIFA, assessing potential damages related to lost World Cup revenue and other economic impacts. Jamaica also has grounds for grievance after missing out on significant financial rewards by not qualifying for the tournament.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Strategy Conference Concludes Second Day in Cabo Verde

The 54 Member Associations of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) wrapped up a successful second day of the CAF Strategy Conference, chaired by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, in Sal, Santa Maria, Cabo Verde on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

The opening session featured notable attendees, including Cabo Verde’s Head of State, Dr. Janira Hopffer Almada, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, both of whom delivered remarks addressing the significance of the event.

Day three of the CAF Strategy Conference is set to kick off on Friday, 9 October 2026, at 09:00 local time / 10:00 GMT / 13:00 Cairo time. FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger will participate in an engaging panel discussion alongside several successful coaches from Africa’s National Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, including Cabo Verde’s Bubista, Egypt’s Hossam Hassan, and DR Congo’s Sébastien Desabre.

A major goal of the CAF Strategy Conference is to elevate football in each of the 54 Member Associations to a world-class level and to ensure that it becomes self-sustaining, all while enhancing the competitiveness of CAF competitions on the global stage.

In recent years, CAF has significantly boosted its investment in football development and the growth of its Member Associations, leading to hundreds of millions of US dollars in funding. This includes increasing annual subsidies to CAF Member Associations and Zonal Unions, consistently bringing in new sponsorship and partnership agreements, finalizing mutually rewarding deals with television and other broadcasters, and continually enhancing the quality of the broadcasting product.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guirassy Strikes as Guinea Edge Kenya in Conakry

Serhou Guirassy scored the lone goal as Guinea bounced back from an opening defeat to secure a 1-0 victory over Kenya in their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifier in Conakry on Thursday.

The Borussia Dortmund forward struck in the 32nd minute, earning Paulo Duarte’s team their first points in Group D after a 2-1 loss to South Africa in their previous match.

With this win, Guinea moved into second place with three points, three behind leaders South Africa, who triumphed 5-0 over Eritrea. Kenya remains at one point after their earlier 1-1 draw against Eritrea, yet they have already qualified for PAMOJA 2027 as co-hosts.

This situation leaves South Africa, Guinea, and Eritrea contending for the highest-placed non-host nation in the group to secure the remaining qualification spot.

Guinea started strong, coming close to scoring when Guirassy’s free-kick hit the crossbar. They kept the pressure on, with Guirassy eventually breaking through to score just after the half-hour mark. Kenya’s Byrne Omondi made key saves to keep the scoreline from widening before halftime.

In the second half, Kenya’s coach Benni McCarthy made tactical changes, bringing on Ryan Ogam and Timothy Ouma in search of an equaliser, but despite their efforts, Guinea’s defence held firm.

Duarte’s team successfully protected their narrow lead, clinching their first victory of the campaign, while South Africa leads Group D with six points.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

QUEIROZ SACKED AFTER GHANA’S POOR AFCON QUALIFICATION START

Carlos Queiroz has been sacked as Ghana head coach following a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars suffered back-to-back defeats, losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire before a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia, leaving them without a point from their opening two Group C matches.

Ghana had taken a 2-0 lead against The Gambia through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan, but the Scorpions staged a dramatic comeback to claim all three points.

The Ghana Football Association has announced that both parties have ended their contract by mutual agreement. Queiroz had previously led Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they lost to Colombia.

CAS confirm Senegal appeal over CAF AFCON final decision
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAS to Hear Senegal-Morocco AFCON Final Appeal on October 8

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear Senegal’s appeal against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) on October 8, 2026, in Lausanne, Switzerland. The hearing will be closed to the public.

Senegal and Morocco will attend, while CAF will be represented by its legal team. The dispute concerns the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal initially won 1-0 but later had the match forfeited under Article 84, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Morocco.

Senegal is seeking to have this ruling overturned and to be recognised as the official 2025 AFCON champion. The three-member CAS panel will be chaired by Professor Gérald Simon from France. The hearing will be in French.

The panel will deliberate after the hearing, but they won’t announce a decision the same day. Senegal’s appeal was registered on March 25, 2026.