West Ham submit official complaint to FIFA after FA Cup defeat to Leeds United

West Ham United have submitted an official complaint to FIFA over Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s absence in their FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Leeds United. 

According to The Athletic, the Hammers claim DR Congo didn’t sanction Wan-Bissaka’s release in time to be involved for the FA Cup encounter at the London Stadium. 

The Leopards defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final to secure a World Cup return for the first time since 1974. 

West Ham reportedly didn’t give Wan-Bissaka permission to stay for the team’s celebrations in Kinshasa. 

They had a flight scheduled for the right-back to return to London, but he didn’t turn up. 

Wan-Bissaka has been a key first-team player for West Ham this season, contributing three assists in 22 league appearances. 

His absence was a blow, as Kyle Walker-Peters had a poor game against Leeds. The Whites were 2-0 ahead in the 90th minute after goals from Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. 

However, West Ham made a dramatic comeback in stoppage time, as Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi scored to force extra time. 

The game went to penalties, where Jarrod Bowen and Pablo failed to convert their spot-kicks.

West Ham are in the relegation zone, with Tottenham Hotspur a point above them in 17th place. 

The Hammers have a brilliant opportunity to pick up maximum points this Friday, as they play bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers in a home game.

Stats from Transfermarkt.