Lille OSC have lodged an official complaint with FIFA after defender Chancel Mbemba was prevented from returning to France following the international break, according to L’Équipe.
The 28-year-old centre-back remains stranded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he is being required to attend a presidential ceremony in Kinshasa. The event is understood to be in recognition of the national team’s qualification for the upcoming World Cup, with authorities insisting on Mbemba’s presence.
As a result, the former FC Porto and Marseille player will miss this weekend’s Derby du Nord against Lens – a crucial fixture for Lille’s push up the Ligue 1 table. The club has expressed frustration over the situation, arguing that the extended stay goes beyond FIFA’s internationally mandated release period for national team duties.
Lille’s complaint to world football’s governing body seeks intervention to secure Mbemba’s release and potentially claim damages for his unavailability. There is no indication yet of when the player might be allowed to leave DR Congo.
Neither the Congolese Football Federation nor the presidential office has publicly commented on the matter. Lille have declined to add to their formal complaint, but sources close to the club describe the situation as “unacceptable” given the importance of the upcoming derby.
Mbemba, a key figure in Lille’s defense, has made over 30 appearances for DR Congo and helped his country secure a place at the World Cup finals. However, the celebratory ceremony has now turned into a club-versus-country dispute that could escalate if FIFA decides to take disciplinary action.
