West Ham submit FIFA complaint after Aaron Wan-Bissaka return not sanctioned by DR Congo

West Ham United have submitted a complaint to FIFA after alleging DR Congo did not sanction Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s launch to return to his membership forward of their FA Cup quarter-final tie towards Leeds United.

The 27-year-old right-back missed his aspect’s penalty shootout loss on Sunday after serving to DR Congo qualify for the World Cup for the primary time since 1974. The African nation defeated Jamaica within the intercontinental playoff last in Mexico, earlier than returning to its capital Kinshasa to rejoice with president Felix Tshisekedi.

Sources with data of the scenario, who spoke on the situation of anonymity to guard relationships, say West Ham did not give Wan-Bissaka permission to remain in DR Congo for the celebrations. Sources say the membership had a flight scheduled for the defender to journey again to London, however he did not flip up.

The Athletic have approached FIFA and DR Congo for remark.

Wan-Bissaka, who joined from Manchester United for £15million August 2024 on a seven-year deal, switched his worldwide allegiance from England, for whom he by no means made a senior look, to DR Congo and performed 9 instances for the nation since September.

The defender has registered three assists in 22 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season. He was named the membership’s participant of the yr in 2024-25 and has been first-choice beneath head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

Kyle Walker-Peters, who signed upon the expiry of his contract at Southampton final summer season, deputised at right-back towards Leeds in Wan-Bissaka’s absence. He is predicted to return to motion for this Friday’s all-important league recreation towards Wolverhampton Wanderers.

West Ham are within the relegation zone, one level behind Seventeenth-place Tottenham Hotspur. Victory for Nuno’s aspect might see Tottenham drop into the underside three for the primary time this season.