Official: FIFA lifts ban on Congo Republic's football federation
FIFA (via Getty Images)
In a remarkable turn of events for football in Congo, the global governing body
FIFA
re-admitted the Republic of Congo's football federation,
FECOFOOT
, after a months-long suspension following a leadership tussle with the national sports ministry. The suspension had hurt the day-to-day activities of the federation, including the shutdown of its headquarters as well as several training centers.
Congo football federation reinstated after settling with sports ministry
FIFA has officially lifted its suspension of the Republic of Congo's football federation (FECOFOOT) three months after it was suspended due to
third-party interference
of the country's sports ministry. The move to suspend the ban was approved by FIFA on Wednesday, declaring that all previously laid-down conditions had been met by FECOFOOT and the Congolese government. Among the essential requirements was the return of complete authority of the headquarters of the football federation to its democratically elected representatives.
The initial suspension had been effected by FIFA for what it called third-party interference in the internal affairs in violation of FIFA's requirements of autonomy for national football associations. A looming dispute between the federation and the Congolese Ministry of Sports was at the core of the controversy, one that resulted in administrative paralysis within the federation.
Just after the suspension, Congo's sports minister, Hugues Ngouelondele, had said that the government was willing to talk to FIFA. He asserted that the state was not interfering in the activities of FECOFOOT and added that while the ministry was trying to find common ground, it would not bend its fundamental principles.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
BCP CFD: Tu oportunidad de ingresos extra
principales inversores
Leer más
Undo
FIFA, however, wanted several preconditions fulfilled before lifting the suspension, including unfettered access for FECOFOOT officials to their headquarters and independence in operations. With these conditions now fulfilled, FIFA has proceeded to lift the football organization.
Lifting the ban will enable FECOFOOT to return to international football activities such as qualifiers to the next Africa Cup of Nations and other FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.
Also Read:
Xabi Alonso set to take Real Madrid charge ahead of FIFA Club World Cup
This resolution is a major step forward for football in the Republic of Congo, where local development and international competition had been stalled because of administrative disagreement. With the suspension removed, focus will be back on reviving the sport's momentum at national and grassroots levels.
Get
IPL 2025
match
schedules
,
squads
,
points table
, and live scores for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Check the latest
IPL Orange Cap
and
Purple Cap
standings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky sparks controversy by accusing Florida Panthers of buying success with tax loopholes
Wayne Gretzky sparked debate by highlighting financial disparities in the NHL (Getty Images) Wayne Gretzky, the face of hockey greatness, has ignited a fierce debate that goes beyond the ice rink—one that's raising eyebrows across NHL circles and beyond. While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, "The Great One" opened up about the financial disparities in the league, taking subtle aim at how no-state-income-tax franchises like the Florida Panthers might be gaining an upper hand in the talent war. Wayne Gretzky says NHL players face a 'business decision' between culture and cash Speaking candidly, Wayne Gretzky stated, 'Obviously Florida and Tampa Bay is a unique situation…from a financial point of view, if that's what a player's thinking about, obviously, but if a player's thinking, you know, what I want to play in a hockey culture, like playing and living in the city of Edmonton, I loved it for 10 years.' Wayne Gretzky Breaks Down The Stanley Cup Finals, Keys To His Success, & His Terrible Golf Game Gretzky's words struck a chord—highlighting the growing tension between market-driven decisions and hockey's traditional roots. While Florida teams like the Panthers can offer higher take-home pay due to their tax structure, cities like Edmonton offer something money can't buy: fan intensity and legacy. Florida's financial edge sparks fairness concerns across the NHL The Panthers' on-ice success, including multiple Stanley Cup Final runs, has coincided with the state's tax-friendly policies, allowing the team to recruit and retain talent without overspending. That advantage, though legal, raises a question of fairness. Could this be undermining the NHL's competitive balance? Gretzky didn't directly accuse teams of exploiting the tax loophole—but his tone was clear. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The new hoseless mobile air conditioner does not require installation (search now) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo When discussing Edmonton, he reflected, 'You leave the arena in Edmonton, you know you've been in a hockey game…1.3 million have watched that game and the other 200,000…the only reason they didn't is because they were working.' Panthers coach pushes back with a collaborative vision for South Florida sports ECF Game 3 Reaction vs Carolina | 5.24.25 In response to the buzz, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice emphasized the area's growing sports culture and praised efforts to build community over competition. 'I think there's room for all of us down here…So how about we just share it? We share the spotlight,' he said. Maurice also lauded GM Bill Zito's cross-sport cooperation with the Dolphins and Marlins, saying, 'Bill's been kind of involved. Best practices…our team services people get together, right, to scout out the best of things when we travel.' Also Read: 'It took a toll': Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky opens up about parenting struggles, body image In the end, Gretzky's comments have lit a fuse—pitting hockey tradition against market innovation. Will the NHL respond, or will this "business decision" divide only grow wider?
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Social Security privacy concerns mount as US Supreme Court authorises DOGE's access to data of millions of Americans
The US Supreme Court on Friday sided with the Trump administration in two critical decisions involving the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The rulings allow DOGE broad access to personal records held by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and delay enforcement of transparency rules sought by a government watchdog group. By a 6-3 vote, the conservative-majority court granted DOGE permission to access sensitive SSA databases containing the personal details of millions of Americans. This includes financial, educational and medical data. The court also paused a lower court's ruling requiring DOGE to comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), allowing the administration to withhold internal documents about DOGE's operations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Belly Fat Removal Without Surgery in Algeria: The Price Might Surprise You Belly Fat Removal | Search Ads Undo Rising concerns over privacy and oversight Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented sharply, writing: 'This court has now greenlit unfettered data access to DOGE regardless—despite its failure to show any need or any interest in complying with existing privacy safeguards, and all before we know for sure whether federal law countenances such access.' Her concerns were echoed by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Together, they warned that the court's action posed 'grave privacy risks' to millions of Americans. Live Events The SSA holds data on anyone with a Social Security number, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income. It administers $1.5 trillion in federal payments annually, distributing benefits to over 70 million recipients. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works , said, 'There is no way to overstate how serious a breach this is. And my understanding is that it has already occurred.' Fallout after Musk's departure from DOGE Elon Musk, who once led DOGE, formally cut ties with the agency on 30 May. His split with President Trump became public shortly after, igniting tensions on social media. The two previously worked closely, with Trump assigning DOGE and Musk to investigate fraud within SSA. In February, SSA's acting commissioner Michelle King resigned after refusing to provide DOGE staff access to personal records. She stepped down after 30 years in government service, citing concerns over data misuse. A day later, the White House said it had appointed a temporary 'anti-fraud expert' to oversee SSA. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, 'They haven't dug into the books yet, but they suspect that there are tens of millions of deceased people who are receiving fraudulent Social Security payments.' Leavitt added the mission was to, 'Number one, to identify duplicate payments and to end them. Number two, to identify payments that are going to deceased people who are no longer living and should no longer be receiving that money. And number three, to protect the integrity of the system for hardworking Americans who have been paying into it their entire lives.' Legal battle over Government transparency In a separate ruling, the court also halted an order from Judge Christopher Cooper, who had instructed DOGE to comply with FOIA requests. The suit, filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), sought records about DOGE's internal decision-making, particularly its role in mass federal layoffs and restructuring. CREW argues that DOGE functions as a de facto government agency and must follow federal transparency laws. The administration insists DOGE is merely an advisory body and is therefore exempt. Judge Cooper previously concluded that DOGE likely exercises 'substantial independent authority' and ordered a deposition of DOGE official Amy Gleason. The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit refused to block his order, prompting the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court. In its unsigned opinion, the court noted that Judge Cooper's orders 'are not appropriately tailored' and stressed that 'judicial deference and restraint' were required in reviewing internal executive branch communications. CREW responded in court filings that if the administration prevails, presidents could 'create new entities that would functionally wield substantial independent authority but are exempt from critical transparency laws.' DOGE has become a key tool in Trump's broader plan to cut government spending and reduce federal workforce numbers. It has also faced mounting legal challenges from labour unions and advocacy groups. Solicitor General D. John Sauer called earlier judicial rulings an 'overreach' into executive power. However, critics argue that unchecked access and lack of oversight could result in lasting harm to public trust and data security . Maryland District Judge Ellen Hollander, whose SSA data access restriction was overturned, earlier warned that DOGE's search for fraud was a 'fishing expedition.' Her order allowed only limited access to anonymised data unless DOGE could demonstrate a specific need. Despite Friday's rulings, the future of DOGE remains uncertain. With Musk gone and legal scrutiny intensifying, its role in reshaping federal oversight continues to spark debate over accountability, privacy, and the limits of executive power.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Tom Brady reveals why he'll never criticize Patrick Mahomes during his FOX Sports commentary career
Tom Brady explains why Patrick Mahomes will always be safe from his on-air criticism (Getty Images) As Tom Brady heads into his second year in the broadcast booth for FOX Sports, he's making one thing abundantly clear—he's not there to tear players down, especially not elite talents like Patrick Mahomes. After spending an entire season behind the mic, the seven-time Super Bowl champion is finding his voice not through critique, but through admiration, education, and context. Tom Brady on why he's keeping Mahomes off-limits for critique In a recent conversation with Complex Sports, Tom Brady opened up about his approach to broadcasting and his decision to steer clear of negativity—especially when it comes to quarterbacks. 'How can I throw shade at someone who's as amazing as [Mahomes] is?' he said. 'I know what he's been through.' That understanding comes from 23 seasons of NFL experience, where Brady lived the pressure, precision, and scrutiny that today's quarterbacks endure every Sunday. Brady isn't just offering blind praise. He's committed to giving viewers an honest and educated look at the game, but without resorting to harsh judgment. 'I do feel responsibility to tell the fans what I see and be honest and upfront about everything, but also realize that what these guys are doing on the field is extremely difficult,' he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Tom Brady says he won't bash Patrick Mahomes on air (Getty Images) Having called just one Chiefs game in 2024—a high-stakes Week 7 clash against the 49ers—Brady admits he still has work to do. His first year on the job wasn't without bumps. Critics came after his commentary, and even fans at the Indy 500 booed the G.O.A.T., with Colts faithful still harboring old rivalries. But Brady isn't backing down. Instead, he's refining his craft, staying true to what he believes great broadcasting should be. 'To me, it's more about, let's point out the greatness of these individual players,' Brady explained. 'Have fun. Enjoy it. Entertain a little bit. And really try to educate people a little bit.' It's a refreshing approach in a media world often driven by hot takes and clickbait controversy. Brady's insight offers something uniquely valuable—context. He knows that even the best quarterbacks, including himself, didn't always make the right play. 'Do they make the right plays all the time? Certainly not. By the way, neither did I,' he acknowledged, reinforcing the importance of perspective over perfection. With his $375 million, 10-year deal with FOX still in its early days, Brady is focused on growth. He'll get another marquee moment early in 2025, calling a Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and Eagles in Week 2 alongside Kevin Burkhardt. With Mahomes on the field and Brady in the booth, fans will be treated to a collision of greatness—from two different angles. Brady's approach may not satisfy critics hungry for drama, but for those who value insight, humility, and genuine love for the game, he's already proving to be a different kind of broadcaster. Also Read: 'Got hammered on a f**king boat': Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski call out Tom Brady for being a lame teammate off the field
