World governing body FIFA has slapped an immediate suspension on the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) due to governance issues stemming from the election of a management body that does not comply with FIFA regulations.
Therefore, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) national teams, their clubs and their leaders will not be allowed to participate in any international games (CHAN, AFCON, CAFCL, CAFCC, World Cup) until the penalty is lifted.
Here is the full statement published by FIFA on their official website.
In view of the serious circumstances affecting both associations, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has taken the following decisions concerning Congo and Pakistan.
Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT).
FECOFOOT has been suspended with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organisation, which constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.
The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville.
The lifting of the suspension will be subject to the following conditions:
• Returning full control of the FECOFOOT headquarters, the Ignie Technical Centre and the association’s other facilities to FECOFOOT;
• Desisting from any efforts to change the signatories of the FECOFOOT bank accounts and/or giving full control back to the signatories recognised by FIFA and CAF;
• Declaring invalid or setting aside any decisions, legal or otherwise, authorising the ad hoc committee to exercise any control or have any authority over FECOFOOT; and
• Ensuring full cooperation to allow FECOFOOT to manage its affairs without undue influence from third parties.
The federation had been under heavy scrutiny due to a crisis of leadership. FECOFOOT has continued to experience leadership issues ever since a large group of top division clubs in the country declared their opposition to the organization of FECOFOOT.
The result has been ongoing disorganization and disputes between FECOFOOT and an ad hoc committee that was formed in late 2024, increasing the potential for sanctions from FIFA and CAF.
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