TP Mazembe launch desperate bid to reclaim docked points

Mwaungulu: Photo Credit: TP Mazembe media

TP Mazembe has dragged the Congolese league governing body to the country’s football association over the decision to dock points from the club over registration of a player. The Ravens are challenging the decision despite that the domestic championship race is over and they have missed out on the next CAF Champions League spot.

Linafoot docked six points from the Lubumbashi-based giants for fielding striker Patrick Mwaungulu during league games. AS Maniema Union had lodged a complaint that the Malawian attacker was ineligible to play against them on May 4 2025 and against FC Les Aigles du Congo on April 30 2025.

In the latest challenge, Mazembe has penned FECOFA challenging the decision to deduct the points. The complaint came after Mwaungulu had rejoined Lamine Ndiaye's team from a loan spell at CS Don Bosco

“TPM acknowledges the incomprehensible decision made on appeal on Thursday evening, June 26, by Linafoot and confirms that it is immediately requesting its evocation by the Congolese Federation,” the club's letter reads.

“Since the player's arrival at CS Don Bosco, the TPM has referred to the documents referred to by FECOFA for the registration of the number 7. With all the documents attached to the appeal file, Linafoot has completely changed direction in its decision by delving into a matter it has no control over. The status of a player requires that the Federation holds all the details in his sports passport.

“TPM is going into the evocation to demonstrate its ability to respect the rules to secure hard-earned points on the pitch and be restored to its rights. The club remains calm and will continue the championship far from the conspiracy put in place by certain Linafoot leaders.

TPM appeals against Linafoot's decision.”

The former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets goal had handed the Ravens a 1-0 over Maniema. Consequently, Maniema and and Aigles leapfrogged Mazembe to occupy second and third places respectively before the latter eventually won the league title on Friday after a one-all draw with Ndiaye’s team.

The Lubumbashi-based team will now miss out on the next CAF Champions League after finishing in fifth place.