Domestic football returns to Congo as FIFA sanction lifted

Congo-Brazzaville’s top flight league will commence on Saturday, September 13 after a long absence of local football in the country. The National Football League (Linafoot) will be contested by 16 teams, the league has confirmed.

The Congolese league did not run during the 2024/25 season after a disagreement between the Congo Football Federation (FECOFOOT) and the country’s Ministry of Sports. The conflict between the two parties culminated in a FIFA ban in March 2025, effectively ceasing local football competitions in the country.

After the FIFA sanction was lifted, the league began working on restarting. Top clubs like AC Leopards, Diables Noirs, Étoile du Congo, and AS Otoho have all confirmed their participation in the league. Three venues in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Dolisie are expected to host league games this season.

The Ministry of Sports, back in August, temporarily banned the federation from using the stadiums in the three cities, but since then has amended the decision as the new league season kicks off on Saturday.

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