DR Congo World Cup Qualification Sparks Dispute with European Clubs Over Player Delays

DR Congo's qualification for the 2026 World Cup has ignited a significant dispute between the nation's football federation and European clubs, who have filed complaints with FIFA after their players failed to return on time from international duty.

The Leopards secured their place at the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada by defeating Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff, marking their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

The day after the Leopards’ historic victory was declared a national holiday, but the celebrations did not stop there. President Felix Tshisekedi ordered the entire squad to remain in the country for a series of lavish events.

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The players were awarded the title of Knights of the National Order at the People's Palace, followed by a reception with the president.

According to reports from L'Equipe, each player also received a €1 million bonus, a new Jeep, and a plot of land in the capital, Kinshasa.

The team was paraded through the streets of the capital on a decorated bus, greeted by massive crowds and the famous AFCON superfan known as "Lumumba." The scale of the festivities angered European clubs, who were left without key players for crucial league fixtures.

Lille president Olivier Letang confirmed his club had lodged a complaint with FIFA's disciplinary committee after defender Chancel Mbemba and midfielder Ngal'ayel Mukau missed the derby against Lens.

"The players were supposed to arrive in Lille late Thursday evening," Letang stated as quoted by the Tribuna. "This creates a dangerous precedent for all clubs that pay their players' salaries. The governing bodies are very sensitive to this and have already sent a letter to the Congolese federation."

Several other clubs were similarly affected. Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez expressed his frustration over the absence of Charles Pickel.

"This is an unusual situation, and we will take appropriate measures. I have never encountered anything like this before," he said.

Real Betis were without forward Cedric Bakambu, while Elche missed midfielder Grady Diangana. In England, Newcastle United, Burnley, and West Ham were left waiting for Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, respectively. Anderlecht's Mario Stroeykens also returned late, just before a key playoff match.

While the clubs fumed, local reports suggested the players were aware of the extravagant gifts and chose to stay to receive them personally, further complicating the standoff.

This will be DR Congo's first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation, then known as Zaire, endured a difficult tournament, losing all three group games without scoring a goal.