West Ham United have formally complained to FIFA after Aaron Wan-Bissaka failed to return from DR Congo duty in time for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final, forcing the defender to sit out the penalty-shootout defeat to Leeds United. The 27-year-old right-back stayed in Kinshasa to celebrate the country's first World Cup qualification since 1974, ignoring the club's arranged flight back to London. Wan-Bissaka, a £15 million summer signing from Manchester United, has started 22 league games this season and provided three assists, and his absence left Kyle Walker-Peters to fill the spot.
DR Congo sealed their historic place at the tournament by beating Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff final in Mexico, then flew to the capital for a reception with president Felix Tshisekedi. West Ham insist they never granted permission for the player to extend his stay, and sources say he simply did not board the pre-booked plane. With the Hammers one point below the safety line, Nuno Espírito Santo hopes to have his first-choice right-back available for Friday's relegation scrap against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wan-Bissaka choosing Kinshasa celebrations over a relegation six-pointer is a £15 million talent effectively telling West Ham that World Cup history beats their survival fight. If Nuno keeps picking Walker-Peters and wins, the club may decide Wan-Bissaka's priorities make him dispensable in a summer fire sale.
