It has been a few days since FIFA suspended Congo Brazzaville from international football activities citing government interference.
In a press conference held in the Republic of Congo's capital city, Sport Minister Hugues Ngouelondélé did not hold back in his statements regarding the government's stance on the matter as the fiasco surrounding the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) is not ending any time soon.
Ngouelondélé said FECOFOOT should find a solution during the FIFA ban period. “I have taken notes of Congo’s sanction. This sad situation will allow us to reorganize football in the country. We can stay without playing international football for 20 years. We will use this FIFA sanction to cure the evils that undermine our football.”
The words of Ngouelondélé are taken as the stance of the government. The government still looks adamant to honor what FIFA has demanded in order for Congo to reinstated back to the international scene. Ngouelondélé compared this scenario with that of 1968 when the government decided to pull out of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
“When we returned in 1972 in Cameroon, we won the African Cup. At a certain point, you have to know how to take a step back to jump better.”
The recent development could hinder Congo from playing upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in March. Les Diables Rouges were also recently disqualified from competing at the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship in August due to fielding an ineligible player during their 2-1 aggregate victory over Equatorial Guinea in late December.
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