Congo Seeks Talks With FIFA, CAF to Lift Football Ban

KEY POINTS

• Congo seeks talks with FIFA and CAF to lift its football ban.

• The government denies interference but won’t compromise its principles.

• FIFA’s ban follows internal disputes within Congo’s football federation.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA will undertake talks to remove sanctions that prohibit the Republic of Congo’s national football association from competing internationally, the country said Monday.

Congo pushes for FIFA, CAF talks to lift football ban

Congo was suspended on Friday by FIFA, in consultation with CAF, for violating FIFA rules by allowing third parties to meddle in the nation’s football affairs. The accusations have been refuted by the Congolese government. FIFA said the ban would only be lifted if a number of requirements were fulfilled, including giving FECOFOOT, the nation’s football regulatory body, complete control over the national federation’s facilities and headquarters.

Sports Minister Hugues Ngouelondele stated during a press conference that officials would “very quickly get in touch with the leaders of CAF and FIFA to discuss the lifting of the sanction.” He did, however, stress that the government will not sacrifice its values or power over the national sports administration in the process of finding a solution.

Government denies interference but stands firm on its principles

Ngouelondele also denied accusations of meddling and defended the government’s role in football-related matters. He maintained that suspension shouldn’t be justified because other African football federations face comparable governance issues.

According to Reuters, the FIFA ban comes after Congo’s national football federation has been embroiled in internal strife. According to reports, FECOFOOT’s leadership and resource management conflicts resulted in government intervention. FIFA, however, insists that this kind of meddling is against its laws.

The minister admitted that the Congolese national football team has not fared well lately and has not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2015. The government is still optimistic that settling the FIFA conflict will contribute to stability and enhance the nation’s footballing future.