DR Congo Warns NFF Against Off-Pitch World Cup Protest Over Player Eligibility Dispute

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has issued a strong warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over alleged ineligible players in the 2026 World Cup playoff. The NFF formally challenged the eligibility of some DR Congo national team players who featured in the playoff match that ended Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

DR Congo, which defeated the Super Eagles on penalties in November, dismissed the allegations, accusing Nigeria of attempting to overturn the result through administrative means. In a statement on the national team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Leopards said: “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence — not with legal tricks. Bring it on.”

The NFF’s petition focuses on claims that several DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with FIFA nationality eligibility rules. The dispute centers on dual nationality, which is not recognised under DR Congo law.

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Confirming the protest, NFF Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said Nigeria had formally raised concerns with FIFA over possible violations of nationality regulations. “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport, there are some of them that have French passports, some of them Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition,” Sanusi explained.

He added that FIFA had previously cleared the players based on information submitted by DR Congo, which Nigeria believes may have been incomplete or misleading. “That’s why FIFA cleared them. FIFA rules say once you have passports of your country, you’re eligible, as far as FIFA is concerned. But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” he said.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in African football over player eligibility and raises questions about compliance with FIFA regulations as nations prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo Warns NFF Against Off-Pitch World Cup Protest Over Player Eligibility Dispute

WWE superstar John Cena retires from wrestling

John Cena, the 17-time WWE World Champion and one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, officially retired from in-ring competition on December 13, 2025, following his final bout at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.

Cena, known for his ruthless aggression and unparalleled fan connection, tapped out to a sleeper hold after a grueling 24-minute match with rising Austrian superstar Gunther, a contest that elevated Gunther as a dominant force in sports entertainment while marking a poignant farewell for Cena.

The legendary wrestler first announced his retirement plan in July 2024 during the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, embarking on a year-long farewell tour that celebrated his illustrious 26-year career.

Cena has long been recognized as a global ambassador for WWE, with a strong following in Saudi Arabia, where he competed in major events such as the Greatest Royal Rumble (2018), Crown Jewel (2023), and the Night of Champions (2025). His performances helped solidify WWE’s partnership with the General Entertainment Authority and the expansion of marquee events outside North America, including Royal Rumble 2026 and WrestleMania 43 in 2027.

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Since debuting in 2002 against Kurt Angle on SmackDown, Cena accumulated an impressive record: 17 WWE World Championship reigns, headlining WrestleMania six times, and winning prestigious accolades such as two Royal Rumbles, one Money in the Bank, and 10 Slammy Awards. He is also a Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion, with multiple tag team and singles championships across his career.

Beyond wrestling, Cena has cultivated a successful acting career, starring in films like Trainwreck, Blockers, Bumblebee, F9, and The Suicide Squad as Peacemaker, which led to an HBO Max spin-off series. He is also celebrated for his philanthropy, holding the record for the most Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes granted, exceeding 650 wishes.

Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era for WWE, leaving behind a legacy of championship triumphs, global influence, and contributions to both sports entertainment and charitable causes. His career continues to inspire aspiring wrestlers and fans worldwide.

WWE superstar John Cena retires from wrestling

FIFA Introduces $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” Tickets Amid 2026 World Cup Pricing Backlash

FIFA has unveiled a new cut-price ticket category for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following widespread backlash from fans over the tournament’s high ticket prices.

The global football governing body announced the creation of a limited “Supporter Entry Tier”, priced at $60 (51 euros) for all 104 matches, including the final. The tickets are reserved for fans of qualified national teams and constitute 10 percent of each federation’s allocation, aiming to make the event more accessible to traveling supporters.

Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) welcomed the move but criticized FIFA for offering too few tickets, describing it as an “appeasement tactic”. FSE highlighted that most fans would still face extortionate prices, with the cost to follow a team from the first match to the final potentially reaching $6,900—almost five times higher than the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer also weighed in, stating that FIFA’s new pricing did not go far enough to support genuine football supporters, urging the organisation to make tickets more affordable.

FIFA said the $60 tickets are to be allocated specifically to loyal fans closely connected to national teams, and refunds will have administrative fees waived for knockout-round tickets if a fan’s team is eliminated early.

The announcement comes amid extraordinary global demand for tickets, with 20 million requests already submitted. The first round of ticket sales draws is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

The move highlights FIFA’s efforts to balance fan accessibility with high demand for the 2026 World Cup, while continuing to face scrutiny over ticket affordability and supporter inclusion, including provisions for fans with disabilities.

FIFA Introduces $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” Tickets Amid 2026 World Cup Pricing Backlash