Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a DR Congo shirt, West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo looking frustrated.
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Declan Carr
Wed 8 April 2026 8:10, UK
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s absence from the FA Cup defeat to Leeds United has seen West Ham United complain to FIFA.
The right-back missed the penalty shootout loss with the Hammers, alleging that DR Congo did not release him for the clash amid celebrations after their play-off win over Jamaica.
The Athletic‘s Roshane Thomas claims that sources said that the 29-year-old did not have permission from the London Stadium club to remain in the country and celebrate World Cup qualification.
His report on 7 April states that the Irons have now submitted a complaint to football’s governing body as the drama escalates.
West Ham could have done with Wan-Bissaka’s experience in the contest, and the fury that he was not available is justified.
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How will West Ham deal with Wan-Bissaka issue?
Wan-Bissaka has been a crucial player for West Ham since he signed, winning the club’s player of the year award for the 2024-25 season.
The E20 outfit are understood to have had a flight scheduled for him to return to London, but he did not come back for the contest.
Wan-Bissaka’s stats vs Jamaica
Minutes played 120
Pass accuracy 88%
Tackles 1
Recoveries 4
Ground duels won 1/4 (25%)
Aerial duels won 2/4 (50%)
Wan-Bissaka’s stats in DR Congo’s win over Jamaica.
It remains to be seen how the Hammers deal with the incident and whether they punish the player for his absence, but he has not been sanctioned at the moment.
Will he be back for the Wolves clash?
Wan-Bissaka is expected to be back in the squad for the crucial clash with Wolves on 10 April, as he is vital for the Irons.
That will be a boost for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, as he is a better option than Kyle Walker-Peters, offering more defensively and offensively.
It appears that they are not willing to take it lightly, judging by the action that they have launched with FIFA, but they must move on from the drama.
Wan-Bissaka’s stats for West Ham this season Premier League
Matches 22
Tackles per 90 1.37
Interceptions per 90 1.79
Clearances per 90 4.25
Ground duels won 49.7%
Aerial duels won 47.6%
Wan-Bissaka’s league stats this season.
They can’t afford any unnecessary distractions heading into the final seven Premier League matches, as they fight to survival in the top-flight.
Relegation would be a disaster for the three-time FA Cup winners, as the Championship would put a drastic strain on their finances, so they need to have full focus on the relegation battle.
Having Wan-Bissaka back in the squad will certainly help their chances of staying up, as he has the wherewithal and ability to make a difference.