**West Ham United have filed an official complaint with FIFA over a dispute involving defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and his delayed return from international duty.**
According to [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7178989/2026/04/07/wan-bissaka-west-ham-dr-congo/?unlocked_article_code=1.ZVA.bADn.0Xs7CmrUMheB&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta), West Ham are alleging that DR Congo failed to allow Wan-Bissaka return to the club ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Leeds United.
The 28-year-old travelled with the rest of the DR Congo squad and helped his country book their place in the World Cup for the first time in over five decades.
DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental play-off final in Mexico, with former Manchester United academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe netting the winner in extra time.
Wan-Bissaka subsequently returned to Kinshasa to celebrate the historic feat with DR Congo president Felix Tshisekedi, which ruled him out of West Ham’s FA Cup match.
That decision has now become a problem, with West Ham claiming they didn’t give Wan-Bissaka the green light to remain in the country for the celebrations.
West Ham had already arranged for the defender to fly back to London in time for their cup fixture, but he didn’t show up, and they’re blaming DR Congo for it.
The Hammers have now lodged an official complaint over what they believe was a failure to release the player as required.
[Since joining from Man United in the summer of 2024](https://westhamblog.co.uk/west-ham-confirm-the-signing-of-aaron-wan-bissaka-from-manchester-united/), Wan-Bissaka has successfully relaunched his once promising career in East London, becoming a crucial part of the Hammers squad.
After switching his international allegiance from England to DR Congo, he has earned nine caps and remains a key player for the Hammers.
Wan-Bissaka has contributed three assists in 22 Premier League games and has helped the Hammers keep three clean sheets this season.
He was also named West Ham’s Player of the Year for the 2024/25 campaign. In his absence, Kyle Walker-Peters stepped in at right-back against Leeds.
Wan-Bissaka is now expected to return in time for a must-win Premier League relegation six-pointer against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers.