FIFA Delegation Arrives in Togo to Mediate Football Governance Dispute
FIFA has dispatched a delegation to Lomé in a bid to help resolve ongoing tensions within Togolese football, particularly between club officials and the Normalization Committee currently overseeing the sport in the country.
The mission, led by Primo Corvaro—head of FIFA’s National Associations department—and accompanied by legal advisor Rolf Tanner, arrived in the Togolese capital on Wednesday. The visit follows a similar mission in neighbouring Benin, where FIFA sought to defuse a conflict between the government and the national football federation.
In Togo, the delegation’s primary objective is to meet with key stakeholders, including members of the Togolese Football Federation’s (FTF) Normalization Committee, headed by Antoine Folly, and various club presidents. The meetings aim to address the long-standing impasse that has prevented the restart of national competitions since the committee’s formation on 19 November 2014.
The Normalization Committee was initially installed by FIFA to oversee the management and reform of Togolese football amid serious internal divisions. However, tensions between the committee and domestic clubs have persisted, delaying efforts to stabilise the sport and resume league play.
According to sources close to the matter, club officials have expressed frustration over a lack of progress and insufficient consultation by the Normalization Committee. These grievances are expected to be central to FIFA’s talks during the visit.
Corvaro’s arrival in Lomé comes directly after his mission in Cotonou, where he investigated government interference in the affairs of the Benin Football Federation. There, he emphasized FIFA’s strict stance against political influence in football governance and the need to respect the autonomy of national associations.
The situation in Togo, while different in nature, remains critical. The continued suspension of domestic competitions not only affects clubs and players, but also risks damaging the broader development of football in the country.
FIFA’s involvement is seen as a last-ditch effort to foster dialogue and find a consensus that could pave the way for the resumption of football activities and eventual democratic elections within the FTF.
No formal timeline has been provided for a resolution, but the presence of senior FIFA officials signals the seriousness with which the global governing body is approaching the matter.
As discussions unfold, the Togolese football community will be hoping for a breakthrough that restores normal operations and brings stability to the game after months of uncertainty.
