The showdown between the Ministry of Sports and FECOFA risks compromising the start of the 2023-24 football season in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While Linafoot and the federation had announced the launch of the season for August 23, a letter from the Secretary General of the Ministry of Sports sows doubt.
In this letter addressed to the heads of sports division in the provinces, Mr. Body Ilonga asks that no sports activity be organized in the sports facilities. He justifies this decision by saying that these facilities are being rehabilitated to comply with the standards required by international sports bodies. However, no details are given on the infrastructures concerned or on the duration of this rehabilitation.
This decision by the Ministry of Sports goes against the format proposed by FECOFA for the season, thus creating a disagreement between the two parties. As a result, the start of the season, scheduled for August 23 in Kolwezi, could be compromised.
If this decision were to be implemented, it would be a blow for the clubs and the Linafoot who have been impatiently awaiting the resumption of the championship since its cessation in December 2023. The Linafoot had already announced a competition format with two zones, West and East, followed by a Play-off championship.
Despite this situation, the league and the federation are maintaining their program for the time being. But it remains to be seen how the showdown between the Ministry of Sports and FECOFA will evolve and what the outcome of this situation will be. In the meantime, Congolese football fans are waiting for the start of the season and hope for a quick resolution to this conflict