Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sat 4 April 2026 10:59, UK

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka is among the players at the centre of a disagreement involving West Ham United and several other clubs.

The right-back played the entire 120 minutes on Tuesday as DR Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

The African nation beat Jamaica in the play-off final, with former Manchester United player Axel Tuanzebe scoring the winner in extra time.

President Felix Tshisekedi has reportedly organised a heroic welcome and celebration for the returning players on Sunday, interfering with FIFA regulations.

With West Ham’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Leeds United also set to take place on Sunday, it is unclear whether Wan-Bissaka will be involved.

West Ham yet to address Aaron Wan-Bissaka situation

Wan-Bissaka has enjoyed a fine season for West Ham, consistently proving a reliable figure in a team that has experienced plenty of ups and downs.

The defender has prompted some frustration of late, but he remains central to many of the good results the Hammers do produce.

But they could well be without him on Sunday, with the situation in DR Congo yet to be addressed.

Tshisekedi’s celebration is due to go ahead, with Nuno Espirito Santo failing to confirm in his press conference on Friday whether Wan-Bissaka would be back at the London Stadium instead.

Kyle Walker-Peters may well have been in line to start regardless, considering the intensity of the 120 minutes Wan-Bissaka played on Tuesday, but West Ham would surely like him on the bench.

According to Sports News Africa, DR Congo will award the players the rank of Knight of the National Order on Sunday for their feat, but the festivities will directly clash with FIFA regulations.

FIFA’s rules prescribe a 48-hour period for returning to a club at the end of an international break. Yet European clubs were not informed by the Congolese Federation of Football Association that this rule would be breached, with many left up in arms.

Lille president makes feelings clear on DR Congo situation

Ligue 1 side Lille are set to take on title-challengers Lens on Saturday, but defender Chancel Mbemba is yet to return from international duty.

Midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau has returned from the DR Congo camp, but his teammate is said to be sticking around for the celebration against the wishes of his club.

“The player was supposed to be in Lille by yesterday (Thursday) at the end of the day,”said Lille president Olivier Letang.

“The case is now with FIFA’s disciplinary committee, as this sets a dangerous precedent for all clubs paying players’ salaries.”

It is unclear whether West Ham and Wan-Bissaka have been held in a similar situation, with the fallout expected to have spread among several clubs.