FIFA Unquestionably Suspends the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT)

FIFA has declared that the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) would be suspended immediately for governance violations resulting from the election of a management council that does not adhere to FIFA rules. Due to the judgment, all clubs and teams associated with FECOFOOT are now prohibited from competing in international tournaments until further notice.

The penalty has significant ramifications for football in Congo. The national team’s football aspirations have been severely damaged as they are now disqualified from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The quarterfinals of this season’s CAF inter-club events will also not feature any Congolese clubs.

Prior to the suspension being lifted, FIFA has specified stringent requirements that must be fulfilled:

Full Control Restored: FECOFOOT needs to take back total authority over its main office, the Ignié Technical Center, and every other federation facility.

Financial Integrity: FECOFOOT’s bank account signatories must not be changed, and FIFA and CAF-approved financial oversight must be restored.

Unauthorized Decision Reversal: Any administrative or judicial actions that give the ad hoc committee control over FECOFOOT must be ruled unlawful.

Freedom from External Influence: FECOFOOT has to be able to function without outside intervention.

With both national and club teams no longer able to compete internationally, this suspension throws the whole Congolese football system into disarray. The choice also casts doubt on the future of athletes who depend on these competitions to advance their careers and get recognition.

In order to achieve FIFA’s standards and overcome the governance situation, FECOFOOT and the Congolese government will need to work together in the upcoming weeks. Up to that point, Congolese football is in a state of uncertainty, with its near future unknown.