FIFA suspends the Congolese Football Federation citing political interference
By Yahaya Idris
The Federation International Football Association (FIFA) and governing body for football has suspended the Republic of the Congo’s football federation, FECOFOOT, due to external interference in its internal affairs, after conducting two joint missions with CAF to Brazzaville.
The suspension will affect Congo’s involvement in international football, including upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Zambia.
For the suspension to be lifted, FECOFOOT must regain control of its facilities and bank accounts and ensure it operates without external influence.
Although specific details about tensions with the Ministry of Sports are not provided in these reports, government interference is frequently a contributing factor in such suspensions. Nevertheless, there is no explicit indication that these tensions directly involve the Ministry of Sports.
A FIFA suspension was triggered by the escalating tensions between FECOFOOT and the Ministry of Sports, stemming from FECOFOOT’s alleged breach of rules against political influence.
The situation, marked by police intervention and facility closures, involved the dismantling of the elected committee and the creation of an unauthorized replacement.
The suspension now prohibits Congolese clubs and national teams from participating in international competitions, thereby severing crucial funding from FIFA and CAF.
FECOFOOT lamented the detrimental effects, particularly on youth players who will miss the UNIFAC tournament – a vital Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The organization also highlighted the broader implications for a nation where football serves as a vital source of livelihood for thousands.
