FIFA has officially suspended the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), barring the national team and clubs from participating in international competitions until further notice.
The decision, announced on Thursday, comes in response to the removal of FECOFOOT president Jean Guy Blaise Mayolas and his executive committee.
Their dismissal, carried out despite FIFA’s opposition, stemmed from ongoing tensions with the country’s sporting authorities.
FIFA’s statutes prohibit government interference in the affairs of national football federations, and the governing body has previously enforced similar suspensions in cases where leadership changes were deemed politically influenced.
The suspension deals a significant blow to Congolese football, affecting not only the national team but also domestic clubs competing in continental tournaments.
Until FIFA lifts the sanction, Congo’s football representatives will remain sidelined from international competitions.