Major shake-up in FECOFA elections as only three candidates approved

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation, FECOFA, has published its provisional list of candidates for the Executive Committee, approving only three names following a screening process.

The federation’s Electoral Commission confirmed that Véron Mosengo-Omba, Jean-Didier Massamba Malunga and Bosco Mwehu Beya have been declared eligible to stand.

The announcement follows what officials described as a detailed review of all submitted applications.

Mosengo-Omba, currently serving as Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is among the most prominent figures on the list.

He is joined by Jean-Didier Massamba Malunga and Bosco Mwehu Beya, who is the president of Linafoot, the country’s top domestic league.

The publication of the shortlist marks a key stage in the electoral process, narrowing the field to three candidates with backgrounds in football administration and governance.

Their approval suggests that experience at institutional level has been a significant factor in determining eligibility.

At the same time, the decision has led to the provisional rejection of several well-known figures within Congolese football.

Six candidates have not been included on the list, a development that has drawn attention given their profiles.

Those affected include former international players and individuals with links to the sport both domestically and abroad.

Among them are Shabani Nonda, Aziz Makukula, Jean-Claude Mukanya, Max Mayaka, Kevin Issa and Patrice Mangenda.

Their exclusion highlights the strict nature of the criteria applied during the selection process.

It also reflects the challenges faced by candidates seeking to meet the requirements set by the Electoral Commission.

The absence of these figures has been seen by some as a setback for those who had hoped for broader representation, particularly from former players.

The provisional list, as it stands, points towards a contest shaped by administrative experience rather than playing careers.

However, the process is not yet complete. FECOFA regulations provide an opportunity for candidates whose applications have been rejected to appeal the decision.

The appeal period is scheduled to run from 2 May to 8 May.

During this time, those affected may submit their cases to the Electoral Appeals Commission for further review.

This stage allows for the reassessment of applications and offers a final opportunity for candidates to secure eligibility.

Only after this appeals process has concluded will the definitive list of candidates be confirmed.

That final announcement will determine who is officially authorised to stand in the election for positions on the Executive Committee.

The outcome of the process is expected to shape the leadership of Congolese football in the coming years.

The Executive Committee plays a central role in guiding the federation’s direction and addressing ongoing challenges within the sport.

The publication of the provisional list therefore represents both a narrowing of the field and a step towards the conclusion of the electoral process.

While three candidates have been cleared to proceed for now, the possibility of changes remains until the appeals stage is completed.

As the deadline for appeals approaches, attention will focus on whether any of the rejected candidates are able to overturn the initial decision.

Their participation could alter the dynamics of the contest, depending on the outcome of the review.

For the time being, Mosengo-Omba, Massamba Malunga and Mwehu Beya remain the only candidates deemed eligible, as FECOFA moves closer to finalising the lineup for its upcoming election.