A goalkeeper from the Democratic Republic of Congo was found by officials to lack the necessary paperwork to play in the World Cup, yet no disciplinary action was taken, a New York Times report says.

The investigation revealed that the player’s registration documents did not meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements. Despite the discovery, the governing body chose not to impose sanctions or remove him from the squad. The report notes that the goalkeeper was allowed to participate in matches during the tournament.

The decision has reignited criticism of FIFA’s oversight and transparency. Critics argue that allowing an ineligible player undermines the integrity of the competition and raises questions about the effectiveness of the organization’s internal controls. The incident also highlights potential gaps in the verification process for national teams before major tournaments.

FIFA has not issued a statement explaining its rationale for the inaction. Stakeholders are calling for clearer guidelines and stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences. As the organization prepares for future competitions, the incident may prompt a review of eligibility procedures and a push for reforms aimed at restoring confidence in its governance.