Emilio Nsue, a former Premier League player, has been handed a six-month ban by FIFA after an investigation revealed he was ineligible to represent Equatorial Guinea’s national team throughout his 11-year international career.
Nsue, who played for Middlesbrough and Birmingham City in England, had made 43 appearances for Equatorial Guinea, serving as captain and record goalscorer.
However, FIFA ruled that he was never eligible to play for the team due to his previous involvement with Spain’s youth teams, including the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2011.
Despite FIFA’s initial denial of his request to switch international allegiance, Nsue continued to play for Equatorial Guinea, including in two World Cup qualifying matches that have now been ruled 3-0 losses.
The Equatoguinean federation had sought approval from Spain but failed to obtain permission from FIFA, leading to Nsue’s ineligible status.
The investigation, opened in March, resulted in a six-month ban for Nsue, who currently plays for Intercity in the lower tiers of Spanish football.
The Equatoguinean federation was also fined 150,000 Swiss francs (£129,000) and had two 2026 World Cup qualification wins overturned, with the matches now ruled 3-0 defeats.
Both Nsue and the Equatoguinean federation have the option to appeal their respective punishments, potentially leading to the involvement of the Court of Arbitration to resolve the matter.