Congolese striker Philippe Beni Kinzumbi has made headlines after unexpectedly signing a three-year contract with Tunisia’s Club Africain, despite being widely expected to join Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca. The 25-year-old’s move has sparked a strong reaction from his former club, TP Mazembe, who allege that Kinzumbi is still under contract with them until September 2025.
Kinzumbi, who hails from Lubumbashi, had been in advanced negotiations with Raja Casablanca, with many expecting an imminent agreement.
However, the footballer’s sudden decision to join Club Africain, where he is set to play under head coach David Bettoni, the former assistant to Zinédine Zidane at Real Madrid, has caught the football world by surprise.
Club Africain officially announced Kinzumbi’s signing, which ties him to the Tunisian capital club until 2027.
TP Mazembe, one of Africa’s most successful football clubs, has responded to the transfer with outrage.
The Lubumbashi-based club claims that Kinzumbi’s contract with them remains valid, accusing the player of unilaterally breaking his agreement.
In a statement, TP Mazembe revealed their intention to contest the transfer, stating, “TPM immediately contacted FECOFA (the Congolese Football Federation) to challenge this move with the Tunisian Federation, and we will file a complaint with FIFA.”
L’attaquant congolais Philippe Beni Kinzumbi va finalement évoluer en Tunisie. L’ancien du @TPMazembe sest engagé avec le @ClubAfricain_tn jusqu’en 2027.@FecofaRdc @Seb_Desabre pic.twitter.com/ORexF7Eddd
— DivinCasimirDCN (@DivinCasimirDCN) August 14, 2024
The situation has escalated further, with TP Mazembe demanding more than $2 million in compensation from any club that signs Kinzumbi without their consent.
The Congolese club is confident in their legal standing, asserting that the evidence they possess strongly supports their claim.
TP Mazembe’s management appears determined to pursue this case through FIFA, signaling a potentially lengthy legal battle ahead.
This dispute has cast a shadow over what should have been a straightforward transfer for Kinzumbi, who had been seeking a new challenge after his time at TP Mazembe.
His decision to join Club Africain, a team with a rich history and a strong following in Tunisian football, was likely motivated by the opportunity to work under Bettoni and to compete in a new league.
As the case unfolds, the footballing world will be watching closely to see how FIFA responds to TP Mazembe’s complaint and whether Kinzumbi’s transfer will stand.
For now, the striker’s future remains uncertain, with legal proceedings potentially impacting his ability to play for Club Africain.
Both TP Mazembe and Club Africain will be hoping for a resolution that allows them to move forward, but it is clear that the situation is far from over.
15 août 2024
COMMUNIQUE#KINZUMBI : le #TPM fait respecter ses droitsLa direction du club fait le point suivant sur le dossier du joueur Philippe Beni KINZUMBI qui ne s’est pas présenté aux entraînements depuis la reprise.
> Les détails ici 👇👇👇https://t.co/ksQeJr30D4
— TP Mazembe (@TPMazembe) August 15, 2024
