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Time of India

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.