Jean Michel Mbono Re-elected as FECOFOOT President, Suspends National Championship
Jean Michel Mbono has been reappointed president of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) following an uncontested election on Saturday, October 4, 2014. Despite the electoral commission invalidating three rival candidates, FIFA has officially recognized his re-election.
In his first major move after returning to office, Mbono announced the suspension of the national league championship, citing the state’s failure to pay four scheduled subsidies to the participating clubs. This financial shortfall led to the competition being halted mid-season.
“I feel it is my duty, as re-elected president, to note, not without bitterness and taking into account the objective reality facing us,” Mbono said. “As of today, the national league championship is put on hold.”
He added that only the results from the first phase of the league will count as final standings, and that the 2014–2015 season will commence in November.
The decision, he argued, is intended to align national competitions with the CAF calendar and to facilitate proper player registration for clubs representing Congo in continental competitions.
