FIFA lifts suspension on Republic of Congo Football Federation

ZURICH: FIFA has officially lifted its suspension of the Republic of Congo’s football federation (FECOFOOT), three months after it was imposed due to third-party interference, the global governing body announced on Wednesday.

The suspension stemmed from a long-running dispute between FECOFOOT and the country’s sports ministry, which had led to the closure of some sports facilities and even the federation’s headquarters.

Shortly after the suspension was enforced, Sports Minister Hugues Ngouelondele stated that the ministry would engage in discussions with FIFA to resolve the matter.

FIFA had laid out several conditions for lifting the suspension, notably the return of full control of FECOFOOT’s headquarters. On Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that the required conditions had now been fulfilled, allowing Congo to return to international football activities.