FIFA Suspends Congo-Brazzaville from International Football
On February 6, 2025, FIFA announced the immediate suspension of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) due to significant third-party interference in its operations, which contravenes FIFA's statutes mandating member associations to manage their affairs independently.
This decision was reached after consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and followed two joint FIFA/CAF missions to Brazzaville. The suspension implies that Congo-Brazzaville is barred from participating in all international football activities until the issue is resolved.
FIFA has outlined specific conditions for lifting the suspension:
Restoration of full control of FECOFOOT's headquarters, the Ignié Technical Centre, and other facilities to the federation.
Cessation of any attempts to alter the signatories on FECOFOOT's bank accounts, ensuring that only individuals recognized by FIFA and CAF have authority.
Annulment of any decisions, legal or otherwise, that empower an ad hoc committee to exert control over FECOFOOT.
Guaranteeing that FECOFOOT can operate without undue external influence.
The suspension casts doubt on Congo's upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March against Tanzania and Zambia. Currently, Congo is at the bottom of Group E, having not secured any points. Their situation worsened after a FIFA disciplinary panel awarded Niger a 3-0 victory following the cancellation of a scheduled match in June 2024. Congo, designated as the home team for a fixture planned in Kinshasa, DR Congo, failed to appear, insisting that a stadium in Brazzaville was suitable for hosting the game.
This suspension underscores FIFA's commitment to maintaining the autonomy of football associations and ensuring that they operate free from external pressures. The global football community will be monitoring the situation closely, hoping for a swift resolution that allows Congo-Brazzaville to rejoin international competitions.
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