FIFA Bars Congo-Brazzaville From International Football
Governance crisis sidelines the Red Devils, casting doubt over World Cup qualifiers and the nation’s football future
- FIFA suspended Congo-Brazzaville for third-party interference in Fecofoot’s operations
- Matches against Tanzania and Zambia face uncertainty
- Suspension to be lifted only if Fecofoot regains full control of its headquarters and bank accounts
FIFA has suspended Congo-Brazzaville from international football due to third-party interference in the operations of its football association, Fecofoot.
The global football governing body described the situation as a “particularly serious” violation of Fecofoot’s obligations under FIFA’s statutes. This decision was made in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after two joint missions to Brazzaville.
FIFA stated that the suspension will remain in effect until conditions are met, including restoring full control of Fecofoot’s headquarters and ceasing attempts to alter the signatories of the association’s bank accounts.
The suspension casts uncertainty over Congo’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Zambia in March. Congo currently sits at the bottom of Group E without a point, partly due to a 3-0 forfeit to Niger after failing to attend a scheduled match in June 2023.
The Red Devils were meant to host the game in DR Congo’s Kinshasa after FIFA deemed their home stadium unfit. However, the team refused to travel, claiming their stadium in Brazzaville met the requirements.
