Fifa lifts Congo Republic's suspension
ZURICH : Fifa has lifted its suspension on the Republic of Congo's football federation three months after it was imposed over third-party interference in its affairs amid a dispute with the country's sports ministry, the global governing body said yesterday.
The long-standing dispute had resulted in the closure of some sports facilities and the Congo federation's headquarters.
Days after the suspension was introduced, sports minister Hugues Ngouelondele had said they would get in touch with Fifa to discuss lifting the ban.
Fifa, which had set a number of conditions for lifting the suspension including the return of full control of the federation's headquarters to Fecofoot, said the requested conditions had been met.
Witness football history in Malaysia as Manchester United take on the Asean All-Stars – it's the clash you can't afford to miss.
Book your seat now at myticketempire.com/manumy before they're gone!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Doak joins Bournemouth for £25m as Liverpool exodus grows ahead of deadline
LONDON, Aug 19 — Scotland international winger Ben Doak has joined Bournemouth in a deal worth up to £25 million (US$34 million), taking Liverpool's tally from player sales beyond £200 million during this transfer window. The 19-year-old, who joined from Celtic for just £600,000 in 2022, made only 10 appearances for the Liverpool first team. Doak impressed during a loan spell at second tier Middlesbrough and picked up six caps at international level last season. The BBC reported that Bournemouth will pay an initial £20 million with a further £5 million in add-ons. 'I feel like it's the right time for me and it's a great opportunity to play regular football at the highest level. It feels like the perfect fit,' said Doak. 'The team play very nice football. It's fast and it really suits my game, so I felt like I couldn't say no to the chance to play here.' Doak follows Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton in leaving the Premier League champions in recent months. That has allowed the Reds to spend around £300 million on strengthening Arne Slot's squad with the signings of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni. More arrivals are expected at Anfield before the close of the window in two weeks. A £110 million bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak has been reportedly rejected, while Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is also closing in on a shift to the champions. — AFP
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Guirassy saves Dortmund blushes with late winner against third-tier Essen in German Cup
ESSEN, Aug 19 — Borussia Dortmund needed a superb finish by forward Serhou Guirassy in the 79th minute to break the resistance of third-division club Rot-Weiss Essen and earn a nervous 1-0 victory in the German Cup yesterday. Dortmund found it hard going in their first competitive game of the season against the disciplined Essen backline, who were working overtime to keep the visitors' chances to a minimum. The hosts almost took the lead themselves in the 41st minute but Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel denied Romien Safi from close range. Essen remained bold after the break, stifling most Dortmund attacks early while lurking on the break. But they could do nothing when Guinea international Guirassy picked up the ball at the edge of the box, battled with two Essen defenders before unleashing an unstoppable low drive past the keeper for a 79th minute lead. Dortmund, who start their Bundesliga season on Saturday with a trip to St Pauli, held on to their slim lead despite late pressure from the hosts, to advance to the second round. But they saw defender Yan Couto injured in second half stoppage time after a rough challenge from Kelsey Owusu. — Reuters
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Nmecha's late penalty stuns Everton as Leeds mark Premier League return with dramatic win
LEEDS, Aug 19 — Lukas Nmecha's controversial late penalty gave Leeds lift-off on their return to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Everton at a jubilant Elland Road yesterday. The match appeared to be meandering towards a stalemate until James Tarkowski was harshly adjudged to have handled Anton Stach's driven shot. Nmecha had only been on the field for six minutes of his Leeds debut but confidently fired past Jordan Pickford in the 8.44pm minute. 'It's not a penalty,' said Tarkowski. 'I was pretty convinced it was going to get overturned (by VAR). 'A bizarre moment and it cost us the point in the end.' Everton handed a debut to Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish in the second half, but the Toffees were left to rue not posing anything of an attacking threat in the opening 45 minutes. Leeds are aiming to avoid the trend of the past two seasons when all three promoted clubs have been relegated. Daniel Farke has also struggled previously with the step up to the English top-flight during two attempts as Norwich manager. But after Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday, two of the three promoted sides have won on the opening weekend for only the third time in the Premier League era. Farke's men stormed to promotion by winning the Championship title with 100 points last season and Leeds started in confident fashion. The home side were dominant in the opening half with 12 shots on goal but only once made Pickford work when the England goalkeeper blocked from Joel Piroe. Grealish's introduction coincided with Everton's best spell of the game. Lucas Perri, one of Leeds' eight summer signings, made an impressive save at his near post to turn behind Carlos Alcaraz's powerful strike before Jake O'Brien headed the resulting corner over. Just as Leeds looked like they might have to hold on for a point, they were gifted the chance for a perfect start with all three. There was little Tarkowski could do as his left arm was down by his side as it blocked Stach's effort. Nmecha stayed calm amid the furore as the German international found the bottom corner. 'For a newly-promoted side it (Elland Road) has to become a fortress,' said Farke. 'It's great to see the joy and the pride in their eyes. It's great to give the supporters, who are so emotional and care so much about their club, something to cheer.' Tarkowski had Everton's only chance to make amends with an equaliser but he headed over. — AFP
