Football fans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been surprised by a recent decision by the Comité de normalization (CONOR) of the Fédération congolaise de football association (FECOFA) which announced the cancellation of the 2022-2023 season of the National League of football (LINAFOOT). This controversial decision was taken on the basis of the cumulative points awarded to each club over the last four editions of the national championship.
DRC Sports and Recreation Minister Francois Kabulo has called for a working meeting with CONOR/FECOFA to discuss the cancellation of the championship and keep athletes informed of the situation. However, he specified that his ministry has not yet been seized by CONOR for the next representatives of the DRC to CAF interclubs.
Meanwhile, the decision to cancel the football season has drawn a strong public reaction, highlighting the differences of opinion between football fans and the sport’s governing bodies in the country. Minister Kabulo, for the sake of legality, wants to inform the athletes in his meeting that they must remain calm until the announcement of the final decision.
In a difficult situation, while inter-community violence, banditry and floods continue to disrupt the daily life of Congolese, this article offers a fresh look at the sporting situation in the country. Indeed, it is interesting to note that the various crises that are shaking the DRC do not leave the country’s sports authorities indifferent. All actors are thus called upon to find lasting solutions, in the face of the multiplicity of challenges and crises facing the country.