Mozambique FA seizes control of domestic league

The Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) has taken over the administration of the country’s flagship Mocambola League from the Mozambican Football League (LMF).

In a statement issued on Monday, the federation says its decision follows the chaotic and premature end to the 2025 season. The campaign ended in December despite that most clubs had some three rounds of games yet to be played. LMF ended the league prematurely, citing serious financial problems and expiry of contracts for players involved in the league as among the reasons.

In the statement, FMF clarifies that the decision follows the termination of its power delegation contract with the LMF on December 31, 2025.

The federation says the league has not come to its conclusion as there are unresolved issues on the actual league champion, relegation candidates and the league’s representatives in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter–club competitions. 

However, UD Songo were declared champions with three games to go after reaching an unassailable lead.

FMF Executive Board decided to take on the process fully and create a Working Committee, led by the federation itself, including other relevant stakeholders.

What role will the Mozambique Football League now have?

The committee will analyse the reasons behind the premature discontinuation of the league, including financial, administrative, organizational and sporting factors. The committee will also evaluatee the most suitable competitive model for the Mocambola in the 2026 season and the subsequent campaigns. 

Most clubs in the former Portuguese colony complain of exorbitant travel costs due to the long distances between the cities where the teams are based, with most clubs flying their squads to match venues. For example, the distance between the cities of Maputo and Beira is 729 kilometres or 15 hours of driving.

The federation is yet to consider the possibility of renewing LMF’s contract of organizing the next edition of the league season. 

FMF adds that it will make a final decision regarding the mandate of the league governing body.

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