While West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paquetá found themselves at the centre of separate international controversies, at least none required FIFA’s intervention.
Carlo Ancelotti stepped forward to take the blame after Lucas Paquetá missed a penalty during Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Lille.
Soucek, meanwhile, was sanctioned by the Czech Football Federation after reportedly refusing to acknowledge the home supporters following a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Gibraltar.
As punishment, Soucek has been stripped of the captaincy and will not lead his country out in March’s World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, on the other hand, is preparing for his own play-off campaign on the road to the 2026 World Cup. DR Congo are set to meet either Jamaica or New Caledonia, with a historic first-ever World Cup place on the line.
However, whispers began circulating on social media suggesting Wan-Bissaka’s World Cup hopes could be derailed by eligibility issues.
FIFA clears West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka to play at the World Cup
Following DR Congo’s recent penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria, some reports claimed Wan-Bissaka was not actually permitted to represent the Leopards, despite making his debut in September after previously featuring for England at youth level.
A senior FIFA official, speaking to BSN Sports, dismissed the rumours entirely and confirmed no such complaint – including any alleged protest from the Nigerian federation – had been lodged.
“We have not received any protest or official complaint from any federation,” the official stated. “There is absolutely no discussion regarding DR Congo’s disqualification.
“The player in question has been eligible to represent DR Congo prior to the play-off match. On what grounds are these rumours emerging?”
Indeed, Wan-Bissaka had already started all five of DR Congo’s recent fixtures and helped contain Nigeria’s dangerous attacking trio of Samu Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
BSN also reported that another official reiterated there was “no legal basis” to question Wan-Bissaka’s involvement.
Czech FA confirm Tomas Soucek has been removed as captain
Soucek’s situation, unfortunately, appears far from resolved. Alongside losing the armband, both he and former West Ham teammate Vladimir Coufal have been fined after seemingly snubbing members of the fan group Fanatismus Cesko.
“The players’ behaviour completely overshadowed the performance on the pitch and the positive achievement of qualifying for the World Cup play-offs,” the Czech FA said in an official statement.
“Supporters have every right to voice their frustration after a series of disappointing displays.
“The players should have shown gratitude, not turned their backs. They should have thanked the fans for their support, not just in the Gibraltar match but throughout the entire qualifying campaign.”
The FA added that Soucek will not captain the side for their next game and that player bonuses from the Gibraltar fixture will instead be donated to charitable causes.
