DR Congo FA changes election rules to clear path for Véron Mosengo-Omba

Football’s governing body in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has amended its eligibility rules for presidential candidates, paving the way for Véron Mosengo-Omba, a close associate of Fifa president Gianni Infantino, to contest the leadership of the national federation, Fecofa.

Mosengo-Omba, who this week confirmed his bid for the presidency, is now expected to be cleared to stand after a statutory change broadened eligibility to include any Congolese national previously involved in football administration.

The election, initially scheduled for 11 April, has been postponed until next month. The delay is understood to be linked to questions over Mosengo-Omba’s nationality status, as he left the DRC at the age of 18 to study in Europe, later becoming a Swiss citizen and retaining only a diplomatic Congolese passport.

Under the federation’s previous rules, he would have been ineligible to run. The revised statute is expected to be formally approved by an electoral commission in the coming days.

The 66-year-old currently serves as Fifa’s chief member associations officer and has previously held senior roles within African football governance.

However, his candidacy has already triggered criticism within Congolese football circles.

Luc Mangala, a prominent football agent in the country, questioned both the legality and intent of the move, arguing that Mosengo-Omba does not hold full Congolese nationality.

“Mosengo-Omba does not hold Congolese nationality, only a diplomatic passport; he has never completed the procedures to obtain full Congolese citizenship in all these years,” Mangala said. “And now he wants to take over the presidency of our football federation? This is unacceptable.”

He also alleged that Mosengo-Omba had been presenting himself as a preferred candidate of President Félix Tshisekedi in meetings with voters.

Responding to broader concerns about his ambitions, Mosengo-Omba said government backing would be crucial for improving sports infrastructure, while defending his record in football administration.

“My candidacy scares some because everyone knows my main focus is the fight against corruption and the misuse of funds intended for football,” he said. “I have met great success at Caf in this fight, even if much remains to be done. In DR Congo as elsewhere, there is work to be done.”

Mosengo-Omba promised in an interview with France 24 last week that he will turn Fecofa “into a paradise” if he is elected.