Why FIFA Suspended the Pakistan and Congo Football Associations

FIFA has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) due to violations of FIFA’s rules.

Pakistan’s suspension comes after the PFF failed to make necessary changes to its constitution, which would allow for fair and democratic elections, as FIFA had requested. FIFA had been working with Pakistan to help improve the PFF, but a disagreement between FIFA and the newly-elected PFF congress prevented progress. The suspension can be lifted if the congress approves the updated constitution that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have proposed. This is the third time since 2017 that Pakistan’s football association has been suspended.

Meanwhile, the Congo Republic’s football association, FECOFOOT, was suspended because of third-party interference in its operations, which goes against FIFA’s rules. After two FIFA and CAF missions were sent to Brazzaville, it was determined that FECOFOOT’s independence was being undermined. The suspension can only be lifted if FECOFOOT regains full control of its headquarters and other facilities.

Both suspensions highlight FIFA’s commitment to ensuring that football associations are run independently and according to international standards.