FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, are facing fresh scrutiny following reports that the governing body’s lawyers identified Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi as ineligible to represent the country three months before the World Cup.

The development could have major implications for Nigeria, which is now considering seeking compensation after losing to Congo DR in the African play-off final.

The New York Times and Le Monde reported that FIFA lawyers discovered that Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international allegiance from France, where he represented the country at youth level.

According to the reports, FIFA became aware of the issue in March but took no action against Congo DR.

Congo DR subsequently defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off to secure a place at the World Cup before reaching the round of 32, where Mpasi featured in their defeat to England.

Nigeria's World Cup hopes ended against Congo DR in the African play-off final in November. The match finished 1-1 after extra time before Congo DR won 4-3 on penalties.

The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently lodged a complaint alleging that Congo DR had fielded between six and nine ineligible players. Cameroon had also submitted a similar complaint.

However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee rejected Nigeria's petition in March, reportedly on a technicality.

Documents seen by The New York Times reportedly showed that FIFA officials considered several options, including awarding the match to Nigeria, imposing financial sanctions or replacing Congo DR with Nigeria in the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica.

An official of Nigeria's National Sports Commission has now told ESPN that the country could consider seeking damages over the matter.

FIFA, however, has strongly denied the allegations surrounding Mpasi's eligibility, describing them as “unfounded.”

The governing body also stated that Infantino had no role in any decisions relating to the case.

FIFA further denied that the matter was connected to its alleged support for Veron Mosengo-Omba, the former FIFA secretary general who is now president of the Congolese federation.

The latest revelations have nevertheless raised questions over FIFA's handling and enforcement of its own eligibility regulations.

Concacaf, whose member association Jamaica was also affected by the situation, said it takes player eligibility “very seriously” and expects the rules to be applied consistently and fairly.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to comment on the allegations.