Due to third-party meddling in the internal affairs of the nation’s football organization (Fecofoot), FIFA has suspended Congo-Brazzaville from the international tournament.
A “particularly serious situation” of undue influence, according to the sport’s world governing body, constituted “a clear violation of Fecofoot’s obligations” under Fifa’s statutes.
Following the dispatch of two Fifa/Caf missions to Brazzaville, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) was consulted in the decision-making process.
A Fifa statement stated the suspension would only be removed if a number of conditions were met, including the return of complete control of the federation’s headquarters to Fecofoot and desisting from efforts to change the signatories of the organisation’s financial accounts.
Congo’s next two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Tanzania and Zambia in March are in danger due to the suspension.
A FIFA disciplinary panel decided to give Niger a 3-0 victory after the two teams’ June encounter last year did not proceed, leaving Congo at the bottom of Group E and without a point.
Due to Congo-Brazzaville’s lack of a stadium suitable for international competition, the Red Devils were designated as the home team for a game that was supposed to be played in Kinshasa, in neighboring DR Congo.
The Congolese, however, refused to go to the game, claiming that a Brazzaville stadium would be a better venue.
