The highly anticipated match between TP Mazembe and Espérance Sportive de Tunis, scheduled for Lubumbashi, was recently relocated due to a blockage of equipment needed to cover the event. This decision provoked strong reactions, including that of the Government Spokesperson and Minister of Communication, Patrick Muyaya.
In a statement during the briefing on October 16, 2023, the Government Spokesperson explained the situation. According to him, the Congolese Government received a late request for the removal of materials from the Congolese Federation of Football Association (FECOFA), following the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to relocate the match. The Ministry of Sports therefore contacted the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) for an emergency removal request.
However, the Minister stressed that the government could not act immediately given the late receipt of the request. He also recalled the importance of not mixing politics with sport, especially in the context of promoting youth. He cited the example of the Francophonie Games organized by the country, where politics did not interfere in the event.
The Minister also underlined that the President of the Republic himself regularly goes to the stadium to support the national team, which shows the importance given to sport in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is therefore regrettable to note that the relocation of the match was necessary due to administrative problems. The Minister called for a political truce in such situations to allow appropriate administrative solutions to be found and avoid involving the sports team in political problems.
In conclusion, the relocation of the match between TP Mazembe and Espérance Sportive de Tunis provoked reactions, including that of the Spokesperson of the Congolese Government. He stressed the importance of not mixing politics with sport and called for solving administrative problems without involving sports teams. It is therefore necessary to find quick and effective solutions to avoid such situations in the future.