By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has suspended the football federations of Pakistan and Congo, citing governance violations and external interference.
This decision adds to the existing ban on Russia, bringing the total number of nations barred from international football competitions to three as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify.
FIFA suspended the Fédération Congolaise de Football (FECOFOOT) over allegations of third-party interference in its operations.
The world football governing body stated that the intervention of external forces in FECOFOOT’s administration constituted a violation of FIFA’s statutes, which mandate the independence of national federations.
“FECOFOOT has been suspended with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organization,” FIFA announced in a statement.
Investigations conducted by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed violations that compromised the integrity of FECOFOOT. As a result, Congo’s national teams and clubs will be unable to participate in international competitions until the issue is resolved. FIFA, however, noted that the suspension could be lifted if the federation regains full control of its headquarters and facilities before the 2026 World Cup.
Pakistan’s football body, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), has faced multiple FIFA bans in recent years, with the latest suspension attributed to governance failures and an inability to implement a revised constitution that aligns with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) standards.
“The suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC,” FIFA declared.
Pakistan previously faced FIFA bans in 2017 and 2021 due to internal power struggles and political interference in football affairs. Although the last suspension was lifted in June 2022, the country’s failure to enact necessary reforms has led to another FIFA intervention.
Congo’s suspension comes as the nation struggles in its World Cup qualification campaign, sitting at the bottom of Group E in CAF qualifiers. The ban effectively eliminates any remaining hopes of securing a spot at the tournament.
Pakistan, meanwhile, had already been eliminated from AFC qualifiers, finishing last in Group G under head coach Stephen Constantine. However, the suspension further sidelines the nation’s footballing ambitions, continuing a trend of administrative and structural setbacks.
FIFA’s recent actions underscore its commitment to upholding governance standards in global football. By enforcing strict regulations against external interference and internal mismanagement, FIFA aims to preserve the integrity of national federations.
Nigeria has also faced FIFA bans in the past due to similar governance issues. On 4 October 2010, the country was indefinitely banned from international football due to government interference following the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Four years later, in 2014, Nigeria was once again suspended over allegations of political interference in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The suspension meant that no Nigerian team, including club sides, could participate in international competitions until FIFA’s conditions were met.
While Pakistan and Congo have now joined the list of nations facing FIFA sanctions, history shows that bans can be reversed if national federations comply with FIFA’s directives.
