FIFA has announced the immediate suspension of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) due to governance issues stemming from the election of a management body that does not comply with FIFA regulations. The decision means that all FECOFOOT-affiliated teams and clubs are now barred from participating in international competitions until further notice.
The suspension has major implications for Congolese football. The national team is now disqualified from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, dealing a severe blow to their football ambitions. Additionally, no Congolese club will be involved in the quarter-finals of this season’s CAF inter-club competitions.
FIFA has outlined strict conditions that must be met before the suspension can be lifted:
- Restoration of Full Control – FECOFOOT must regain complete control of its headquarters, the Ignié Technical Centre, and all other federation facilities.
- Financial Integrity – Any attempts to alter the signatories of FECOFOOT’s bank accounts must cease, with financial control returning to those recognized by FIFA and CAF.
- Reversal of Unauthorized Decisions – Any legal or administrative measures granting authority to the ad hoc committee over FECOFOOT must be declared invalid.
- Freedom from External Influence – FECOFOOT must be allowed to operate independently, free from third-party interference.
This suspension places the entire Congolese football structure in crisis, as both national and club teams are now ineligible for international competition. The decision also raises concerns about the future of players who rely on these tournaments for exposure and career growth.
The coming weeks will be crucial as FECOFOOT and the Congolese authorities work to resolve the governance crisis and meet FIFA’s requirements. Until then, Congolese football remains in limbo, with uncertainty clouding its immediate future.