CHAN 2025: DR Congo cancels Algeria training camp, issues formal apology to FAF

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) has issued a formal apology to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) after being forced to cancel its national team’s training camp and two scheduled friendly matches in Algeria.

The fixtures, set to take place at the end of July, were part of both countries’ preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN 2025), which begins on 2 August.

However, FECOFA confirmed in an official statement that it had been compelled to cancel the camp following a legal ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

The CAS decision stems from a dispute between FECOFA and Congolese club TP Mazembe regarding the suspension of the national championship.

TP Mazembe challenged FECOFA’s decision to halt the domestic league, and the CAS ultimately ruled in the club’s favour, ordering the immediate resumption of the national competition by 31 July.

As a result of the ruling, FECOFA has been left with no choice but to scrap its overseas training plans, including the friendly matches against Algeria’s A’ team.

The games had been viewed as a crucial part of both teams’ preparations, offering a rare opportunity for competitive match practice ahead of the tournament.

In its press release, FECOFA stated: “We sincerely apologize to our partners, particularly the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), for the inconvenience caused.” The Congolese body expressed regret over the disruption and the impact it may have on the Algerian side’s planning for the competition.

The cancellation presents a fresh challenge for Algeria’s head coach Madjid Bougherra, who had been counting on the matches against DR Congo as an opportunity to assess his squad in a competitive environment.

With limited time remaining before the CHAN kicks off, Algeria will now have to seek alternative opponents or adapt its training strategy to maintain match readiness.

The incident also underscores the broader organisational challenges faced by several African football federations in the build-up to continental tournaments, as legal, logistical, and administrative hurdles continue to affect preparations.

While the DR Congo federation has expressed its regret, there is no indication yet whether the two nations will attempt to reschedule the friendlies at a later date.

For now, both sides must turn their attention to the rapidly approaching CHAN campaign, with opening fixtures looming large on the horizon.