Ex-Man Utd star at centre of furious row as Premier League side launch complaint

West Ham have made a complaint to FIFA after Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed their FA Cup quarter final against Leeds, having not returned from international duty. Wan-Bissaka helped DR Congo beat Jamaica to qualify for the World Cup last week and did not make it back to London in time to feature for the Hammers.

The right-back, who switched his international allegiance from England to DR Congo last year, played in their 1-0 win over Jamaica in Mexico on March 31. West Ham had expected him to return for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Leeds on Sunday.

However, rather than travel back from Guadalajara to London, Wan-Bissaka headed with the DR Congo squad to Kinshasa for a celebration organised by president Felix Tshisekedi, who wanted to mark the team's return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

Wan-Bissaka was part of the squad, alongside Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, Lille defender Chancel Mbemba, Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe and former West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku, who partied on top of a double-decker bus in the Congolese capital.

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The Athletic reports that West Ham did not give Wan-Bissaka permission to travel back to DR Congo for the celebrations. They had booked the ex-Manchester United defender a flight back to London and were frustrated he did not return.

They have complained to FIFA after losing the FA Cup tie against Leeds on penalties, having scored twice in added time to make it 2-2 and force extra time at the London Stadium. Kyle Walker-Peters filled in at right-back against Leeds, but Wan-Bissaka is now in contention to face Wolves in a crucial Premier League game on Friday.

After helping his country reach the World Cup, Wan-Bissaka's attention will now turn to trying to ensure West Ham are not relegated. The Hammers are currently 18th, sitting in the relegation zone, one point behind Tottenham. They face bottom club Wolves on Friday before games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Brentford.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (L) of Congo DR and Tyreece Campbell (R) of Jamaica

Aaron Wan-Bissaka didn't return from international duty in time(Image: Luis Cano/Getty Images)

Wan-Bissaka joined West Ham from Manchester United for £15million in 2024. He was named as the club's player of the year in his debut campaign and has made 22 league appearances this season at right-back.

He has been similarly important for DR Congo since changing allegiance and making his debut in September. He has made nine appearances for his country, who have now been drawn in Group K at the World Cup alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

After posting "HISTORY WAS MADE" on Instagram, Wan-Bissaka received supportive messages from ex-United team-mates Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga, as well as from Hammers team-mates Walker-Peters, Crysencio Summerville and El Hadji Malick Diouf.

“Today we celebrate a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup,” Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre said after they beat Jamaica. “It is the result of collective effort, sacrifices, and total commitment from the players, the staff, the federation, as well as the unwavering support of the government and the entire nation.”