by Staff Writer
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
West Ham are reportedly preparing to file a formal complaint and seek compensation from FIFA after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was unable to feature in the FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds.
In what is threatening to become a controversial clash between club and international football obligations, the situation stems from Wan-Bissaka’s involvement with the DR Congo, who recently secured a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
While the achievement marked a major milestone for the African nation—ending a 52-year wait without reaching the tournament—it also triggered a chain of events that left West Ham without one of the club's most important defenders.
Following the decisive qualifying victory, celebrations were organised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reportedly under the direction of President Félix Tshisekedi. These included a national parade and festivities that delayed the return of several players, including Wan-Bissaka.
Crucially, reports suggest that players were not authorised to leave the country in time to rejoin their clubs, effectively preventing the right-back from travelling back to London ahead of the FA Cup tie.
From West Ham’s perspective, the issue is not simply the player’s absence but the apparent breach of FIFA regulations. Under international rules, clubs are entitled to have their players released back to them within a specified period—typically 48 hours after an international fixture.
However in Wan-Bissaka's case, the full-back remained in Congo beyond that window, leaving the club feeling that due process was not followed.
The consequences on the pitch were to prove significant for the Hammers who, missing several key players including Wan-Bissaka, were eliminated from the FA Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat.
The match represented a major opportunity for the club to reach Wembley and potentially secure European football next season, in what has otherwise been a difficult campaign. Wan-Bissaka's absence was keenly felt, despite Kyle Walker-Peters deputising.
As a result, West Ham are now considering formal action. The club is believed to be frustrated not with the player himself—who is seen as having had little control over the situation—but with the circumstances that prevented his timely return.
By filing a complaint with FIFA, they aim both to highlight what they view as a regulatory failure and to seek financial compensation for the disruption caused to their FA Cup campaign.
Wan-Bissaka's case could have wider implications across football. Other clubs have reportedly faced similar issues with DR Congo players, raising concerns about the balance between international celebrations and contractual obligations to clubs.
If FIFA rules in West Ham’s favour, it may set a precedent reinforcing the importance of release regulations and potentially leading to stricter enforcement in future international windows.
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