FIFA has lifted its suspension on the Republic of Congo’s soccer federation, FECOFOOT, after the country’s government made a U-turn and met the conditions set by the global governing body. The suspension was imposed in February due to third-party interference in the federation’s affairs, amid a dispute with the country’s sports ministry.
The decision to lift the suspension was made after FECOFOOT met all the required conditions, including the return of full control of the federation’s headquarters and other facilities to the FECOFOOT Executive Committee led by Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas.
“We are pleased that the conditions have been met, and we look forward to Congo’s participation in international football,” FIFA said in a statement. Victor Magloire Nganguia, a spokesperson for the executive committee, expressed gratitude to the government of Congo, saying they had worked together to resolve the issue.
Congo’s senior men’s football team had been barred from participating in international competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, due to the suspension. They missed their March matches against Tanzania and Zambia, which were recorded as forfeited losses. With the suspension lifted, Congo will rejoin the qualifiers in Group E, alongside Morocco, Niger, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The return of Congo to international football has thrown Group E wide open, with Morocco now needing to beat Niger in September to avoid any unnecessary drama ahead of their final group match against Congo in October. Morocco currently tops the group with 15 points, while Congo had previously been recorded as losing their matches due to the suspension.