Mazembe warn rumour-mongers over FIFA ban

TP Mazembe have threatened to take action against rumour-mongers who are suggesting that the Congolese side has been banned from signing players.

Some social media reports suggest that FIFA has banned the Linafoot Ligue 1 club over money owed to Moroccan side Raja Athletic Club, among other reasons.

3 février 2026
COMMUNIQUÉ @FIFAcom

Le TPM informe l’opinion sportive qu’il ne fait l’objet d’aucune interdiction de recruter. À ce jour, aucune instruction n’est en cours et aucune plainte n’a été enregistrée à l’encontre du club. 🔗 ⤵️https://t.co/aGY4ldIb2J

— TP Mazembe (@TPMazembe) February 3, 2026

However, in a statement, the Lubumbashi-based outfit described such rumours as unfounded and damaging to the club’s image, hence threatened to take action.

Part of the statement reads: “The club reaffirms its commitment to strict compliance with the regulations in force and reserves the right to take any appropriate action in response to erroneous information that may damage its image.”

The Lubumbashi-based club was among the clubs that were banned for three transfer windows in 2024 over players’ disputes. However, FIFA lifted the ban paving the way for the signing of players such as Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma from Malawi.

Mazembe on stance of FIFA

Mazembe added that FIFA has cleared the club in connection to any ban.

“TP Mazembe wishes to inform the sporting community that it is not subject to any transfer ban. To date, no investigation is underway and no complaint has been filed against the club,” reads part of the statement.

“According to information available to the club, the situation in question stems from an administrative error. The aforementioned measure was lifted by FIFA yesterday, February 2nd, as confirmed by the official letter received.”

Mazembe stressed that they had settled all their dues with the Botola Pro outfit.

“This matter concerned payments made to Raja Club Athletic. The Moroccan club confirmed receipt of the payments, and had not filed any complaint against TP Mazembe,” adds the statement.

“Furthermore, the law firm Altius, which handles TP Mazembe’s legal representation and support, confirms that it has not identified any case related to any sanction against the club. TP Mazembe, therefore, expresses surprise at certain rumours circulating in the media, which mentions accusations without specifying the identity of the player involved or the source of these allegations.”

TP Mazembe have issued a strong warning against individuals and platforms spreading rumours that the Congolese giants have been banned from signing players, describing such claims as false, misleading, and harmful to the club’s reputation.

In recent days, several reports circulating on social media alleged that the Lubumbashi-based side had been hit with a FIFA transfer ban. According to the rumours, the supposed sanction was linked to outstanding payments owed to Moroccan club Raja Athletic Club, alongside other unspecified administrative issues. These claims quickly gained traction online, causing confusion among supporters and within the wider African football community.

However, TP Mazembe have categorically denied the allegations, insisting that the club is not under any transfer ban and remains fully compliant with FIFA regulations. In an official statement released on February 3, 2026, the club clarified the situation and threatened to take legal action against those responsible for spreading what it termed “erroneous information.”

In a communiqué shared on social media, TP Mazembe stated in French:

“Le TPM informe l’opinion sportive qu’il ne fait l’objet d’aucune interdiction de recruter. À ce jour, aucune instruction n’est en cours et aucune plainte n’a été enregistrée à l’encontre du club.”

Translated, the statement confirms that the club is not subject to any recruitment ban, that no investigation is underway, and that no complaint has been lodged against TP Mazembe by FIFA or any other party.

The club went further to stress that such rumours are not only unfounded but also damaging to its image and credibility. As a result, TP Mazembe reserved the right to pursue “any appropriate action” against individuals or media outlets that continue to circulate false information.

Background of previous transfer ban

The rumours may have been fuelled by TP Mazembe’s past disciplinary issues. In 2024, the club was indeed among several teams sanctioned with a transfer ban lasting three registration windows due to player-related disputes. That ban, however, was later lifted by FIFA after the issues were resolved, allowing the club to return to the transfer market.

Following the lifting of that sanction, TP Mazembe successfully signed players including Malawian internationals Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma, a clear indication that the club had regained full clearance to register new players. Club officials now believe that some media outlets may be recycling outdated information or misinterpreting administrative processes.