Congo national team as six players have opted to retire from international football, citing profound dissatisfaction with the Congolese Football Federation (Fécofoot).
The aftermath of Congo’s recent international fixture against Zambia witnessed a dramatic turn of events. Following their defeat in Ndola with a scoreline of 4-2, marking the first day of World Cup 2026 qualifying matches, six players chose to retire internationally.
The decision stemmed from what was described as the “delusional management” of the national team, as highlighted by journalist Romain Molina on his official social media account shortly after the game.
In his post, Molina unequivocally pointed out the discontent among the players, attributing their resignation to the prolonged mistreatment they’ve faced at the hands of Fécofoot and the Ministry of Sports.
This frustration echoed the sentiments of players who felt their concerns had been disregarded for an extended period.
The plight of the Congo players was further spotlighted in a video shared by the franesports account on November 19, displaying the substandard conditions in which the team was accommodated before their involvement in Group E, which was later reduced to five teams following Eritrea’s withdrawal.
The footage portrayed dimly lit hotel rooms furnished with basic, uncomfortable beds, a far cry from the familiar comfort of their club accommodations, and notably lacking essential amenities like Wi-Fi.
En vidéo le calvaire vécu par les diables rouges football en Zambie 🇿🇲, voilà la condition de logement des joueurs dans un auberge comme le Granila . #franesports #franepeople #football @fifaworldcup #ChezMoiAuCongo #Brazzaville pic.twitter.com/TZ97ZCPi7l
— franesports (@franesports) November 19, 2023
The decision of these players to withdraw from international duty underscores a significant protest against the perceived inadequate treatment and lack of support provided to the national team by the football authorities.
This bold move by the players highlights their resolve to draw attention to the systemic issues within the football governing body, seeking substantial changes for the welfare and dignity of the national team.
