Togo Football Federation reviews finances as push for professional football intensifies

The Togolese Football Federation used its annual congress in Lomé to place financial accountability and the professionalisation of domestic football at the centre of discussions as officials reviewed the organisation’s 2025 financial year.

Delegates from clubs, regional leagues and affiliated associations gathered for the federation’s ordinary congress on Friday, where activity reports, financial assessments and long-term plans for football development in Togo were examined.

The meeting came at an important stage for Togolese football, with federation officials determined to accelerate plans aimed at transforming the local game into a more structured and professional environment.

Among the major issues discussed during the congress was the long-awaited launch of a professional football championship in Togo.

Federation officials reiterated their commitment to meeting the timetable already announced for the reform.

The Togolese Football Federation believes the transition towards a professional structure is necessary if clubs are to become more competitive and financially stable in the coming years.

The issue has been debated repeatedly in Togolese football circles, but federation leaders insist that concrete progress is now being made.

Speaking during the congress, the federation’s second vice-president, Agoro Médjessiribi, said officials had received assurances regarding preparations for the new professional era.

“the president of the professional football league reassured us. He indicated that the deadlines will be met,” Médjessiribi said.

The federation maintained that the professional championship is still expected to begin next September, despite the challenges linked to organisation, administration and financial management.

Representatives from the Ministry of Sports also backed the project during the opening ceremony, underlining the importance of modernising football structures in the country.

“We must make football a true sector that creates value. We must continue the work of professionalizing Togolese football,” the ministry representative stated during the gathering.

The issue of financial management within clubs also featured prominently throughout the congress discussions.

Federation officials admitted that accounting and reporting standards remain a major concern, particularly regarding the use of funds received from international football bodies.

According to Agoro Médjessiribi, the federation continues to face difficulties when trying to justify certain subsidies allocated by CAF and FIFA.

The situation, he explained, has already affected the federation’s ability to benefit fully from available international funding opportunities.

For federation leaders, improving financial transparency has become essential not only to satisfy governing bodies but also to strengthen trust within Togolese football itself.

The congress therefore placed special emphasis on accountability measures for clubs and administrators.

Delegates were informed that additional training sessions would soon be organised for accountants and treasurers working within clubs and regional football structures.

The federation believes these measures are necessary to ensure clubs understand modern financial management requirements and can properly document the use of development funds.

Agoro Médjessiribi warned that sanctions could be imposed on those who fail to comply with the federation’s future financial standards.

“Accountability has become an essential requirement. FIFA and CAF funding must be rigorously justified,” he said.

The comments reflected growing pressure on football associations across Africa to improve governance and strengthen financial oversight.

International governing bodies increasingly demand detailed reporting from federations receiving development grants and competition-related funding.

For Togolese football authorities, the congress was also an opportunity to evaluate the progress made over the previous year.

Delegates reviewed sporting activities, organisational projects and communication efforts undertaken by the federation during the 2025 financial period.

While several challenges remain, federation officials presented the congress as part of a broader effort to modernise football administration in the country.

The gathering in Lomé also highlighted the federation’s intention to involve clubs more directly in future reforms.

By bringing together delegates from every region and affiliated association, officials sought to create a collective approach towards the transformation of domestic football.

The professionalisation project is expected to require significant adjustments from clubs, particularly in areas such as administration, budgeting, infrastructure and player management.

Federation leaders believe these reforms are unavoidable if Togolese football is to progress competitively.

Friday’s congress ultimately served both as a review of the federation’s recent activities and as a roadmap for the next phase of development.

With the launch of a professional league still planned for next September, the coming months are expected to be decisive for the future direction of football in Togo.

Although the federation acknowledged existing financial and organisational difficulties, officials insisted that the ambition to professionalise the domestic game remains firmly on course.