RDC: FECOFA hands TP Mazembe 30‑day ban over $85,000 debt

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation FECOFA has imposed a 30‑day suspension on TP Mazembe after the club failed to pay an $85,000 debt, halting the team’s participation in national competitions and putting its season in jeopardy this week.

TP Mazembe is currently navigating a delicate period behind the scenes, with the club’s operations under intense scrutiny. The recent disciplinary action adds to existing challenges faced by the Congolese giants.

The Commission of Discipline and Contentieux of FECOFA delivered the blow, announcing a 30‑day ban on the Corbeaux de Lubumbashi. The sanction directly targets TP Mazembe, known locally as the Corbeaux.

The ban stems from the club’s failure to settle an $85,000 liability owed to AC Rangers. The amount relates to the transfers of players Bossou Nzali Adam and Kazema Baso Josué.

Despite an initial condemnation on 25 June and formal notification on 27 June, TP Mazembe was granted a 20‑day moratorium to clear the debt. The club appeared to have a margin of manoeuvre to resolve the issue within that window.

When the deadline passed without payment, the disciplinary measure was activated at the end of July. The suspension therefore took effect immediately, barring the team from competition.

The repercussions are immediate and strictly administrative. The duration of the suspension remains linked to the full settlement of the claimed sum.

The National Football League, the championship’s organising body, has been instructed to enforce all sporting and regulatory provisions without delay. La direction du TP Mazembe is now forced to act swiftly as the club confronts potential exclusion.

Under the federation’s disciplinary code, failure to regularise the debt could trigger a permanent ban from all national competitions. To avoid this catastrophic scenario and preserve its season, the club must settle the dispute as swiftly as possible.