FIFA has officially suspended the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) with immediate effect, citing serious third-party interference in the governing body's affairs.
The decision, made by the Bureau of the FIFA Council in consultation with CAF, follows months of internal turmoil that saw FECOFOOT president Jean Guy Blaise Mayolas and his executive committee dismissed by the organisation's general assembly in September —against FIFA's recommendations.
Read: Rulani given more firepower: Another two signings confirmed!
The decision made by the governing body of world football will see all Congolese clubs and its national sides be unable to compete in any FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.
According to Afrik Foot, the crisis stems from ongoing tensions between FECOFOOT and Congo's Minister of Sports, Hugues Ngouelondele.
Following Mayolas' removal, an ad hoc committee known as the "Collective of Members of the General Assembly" took control of the federation, backed by political authorities but without FIFA's recognition.
As part of this takeover, the locks at FECOFOOT's headquarters were understood to have been changed, and access to the association's bank accounts was reportedly blocked from Mayolas.
Despite a visit from FIFA's regional director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, in November, no resolution was reached, prompting FIFA to intervene.
FIFA has outlined strict conditions that must be met before lifting the ban. This includes:
- 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.
- Ensuring full cooperation to allow FECOFOOT to manage its affairs without undue influence from third parties."
Until these conditions are met, Congolese football remains in limbo, with the country's clubs and national teams unable to participate in FIFA-sanctioned competitions.
Read: Ex-Pirates star to make his debut? Wolves boss answers
If things remain as they are now, the Congolese national team will remain suspended and be forced to forfeit their next two fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they are scheduled to face Tanzania and Zambia between March 20 and 25.