Football/ FIFA intervenes in Congolese Football crisis, threatens sanctions

The FIFA has stepped into the ongoing turmoil within Congolese football, issuing a stern warning following the September 25 ousting of Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas as president of the Fecofoot and the closure of its headquarters.

A group known as the “Collective of General Assembly Members” had taken control, forming an ad hoc committee to manage the federation’s affairs.

In a joint statement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), FIFA called for the immediate restoration of the Fecofoot offices and assets to the Mayolas-led executive team.

FIFA also demanded that no changes be made to the authorized signatories of the federation’s bank accounts, emphasizing that FIFA and CAF funds are strictly regulated.

FIFA underscored the need for Fecofoot to operate without external interference, warning that failure to comply with these directives within eight days could result in sanctions.

The most severe consequence could be a suspension of Congo from international football, in line with Article 16 of FIFA’s statutes.

Should these actions not be reversed, FIFA stated that the case would be presented to its Council for further decision-making, potentially leading to Congo’s suspension from all football activities. The clock is ticking for Congolese football to avoid this drastic outcome.