March FIFA Break: Tensions between European clubs and DRC over return of players
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All original articlesIf the Democratic Republic of Congo exults after its qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the triumphant return of the Leopards to Kinshasa turns into a diplomatic conflict with some European clubs. National celebrations out of time and contrary to FIFA regulations has deprived clubs of their players.
It is an exploit that will have waited 52 years. By winning Tuesday in the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica (1-0, after extra time), the DR Congo selection validated its ticket to the 2026 World Cup, triggering an unprecedented joy across the country. But the intoxication of victory is giving way to a high-flying legal and administrative battle.
A presidential parade that crystallizes tensions
President Félix Tshisekedi, wishing to mark this 'renaissance' of Congolese football with a white stone, decreed the organization of a presidential parade this Sunday in Kinshasa. On the program: a heroic welcome for the players, who must be elevated to the rank of Knight of the National Order.
Problem: this celebration requires players to stay on Congolese soil well beyond the 48-hour period prescribed by FIFA regulations for returning to a club after the end of an international truce. A decision deemed "unilateral" by the European employers, who were not notified by the Congolese Federation of Football Association (FECOFA).
Olivier Létang punches the table
At the Domaine de Luchin, the atmosphere is far from festive. While Lille prepares for the highly anticipated derby du Nord against RC Lens this Saturday evening at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium, its captain and central defender, Chancel Mbemba, is still unavailable. While his compatriot Ngal'ayel Mukau returned safely, Mbemba stayed in Kinshasa for the festivities.
For the president of Lille, Olivier Létang, the situation is unacceptable:
"The Congolese federation has unilaterally decided to block players until Monday while FIFA regulations are clear: players must be back in their clubs 48 hours after the match. The player should have been at Lille yesterday (Thursday) in the late afternoon.
The president does not intend to stop there. The club has officially taken steps with international bodies to challenge this last-minute breach.
"The file is already in the hands of FIFA discipline because it is a very dangerous jurisprudence for all clubs, who pay the players. The authorities are very sensitive and have also already written to the Congolese federation.
A rumble that exceeds the French borders
Lille is not an isolated case. In Belgium, the coach of Standard de Liège also criticized a situation that penalizes his team, just like his counterpart from Espanyol Barcelona. All denounce a lack of respect for international agendas in favor of a national political agenda.
If national pride is immense for the players in view of the exploit, they find themselves stuck between their patriotic duty and their contractual obligations. Except that the consequences could be heavy for some of them who already face disciplinary sanctions from their employers, ranging from steep fines to exclusion upon their return.