The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially disqualified the Republic of Congo from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a series of violations related to player eligibility and documentation.
The ruling, issued after a complaint by the Equatorial Guinean Football Federation, results in the two matches between Congo and Equatorial Guinea—played on December 21 and 29, 2024—being recorded as 3-0 forfeits in favor of Equatorial Guinea.
This decision comes after the CAF Disciplinary Board identified multiple failings by the Congolese Football Federation.
Notably, the board found that the Congolese team failed to present valid national licenses before their first match, breaching CHAN regulations.
Additionally, an ineligible player, Mankou Nguembete Japhet Eloi, was fielded in both matches, further compounding the irregularities.
As part of the penalty, Congo has been fined USD 10,000, with the amount due within 60 days.
This penalty also alters the landscape of the CHAN 2024 qualifiers, with Equatorial Guinea now in a stronger position as a result of the disqualification.
CAF has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the rules of the competition, emphasizing the importance of upholding sporting integrity and fairness.
The decision underscores the governing body’s resolve to maintain strict oversight in its tournaments and ensure that all teams compete on equal terms.
