Overview
- Chancel Mbemba, which Lille said Friday was still held in DR Congo for a presidential celebration, will miss Saturday's derby against Lens.
- Lens coach Pierre Sage confirmed left back Arthur Masuaku will also be absent to attend the same reception with President Félix Tshisekedi.
- Lille says it has filed the matter with FIFA’s disciplinary panel, citing rules that require players to return to their clubs within 48 hours of their last international match.
- Club officials add they offered to release Mbemba after the derby, but the Congolese federation kept players through the weekend for state honors.
- Football authorities have already written to the Congolese federation, and Lille warns the handling of this dispute could set a standard as DR Congo marks its first World Cup since 1974.