FIFA has suspended the football federations of Congo, Pakistan, and one other country, barring them from participating in the 2026 World Cup due to ‘serious circumstances.’
The suspension of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) stems from “undue interference by third parties” in the association’s operations. FIFA’s statement highlighted that this interference violated FECOFOOT’s obligations under FIFA’s statutes. The decision was made after two FIFA/CAF missions were sent to Brazzaville for consultations.
In Pakistan’s case, the suspension was due to the failure of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to adopt a revised constitution that ensures “truly fair and democratic elections.” The suspension will remain in effect until the PFF Congress approves the version of the constitution presented by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The PFF Normalisation Committee Chairman, Haroon Malik, stated that FIFA wants to align the PFF Constitution with international standards, but newly-elected PFF Congress members have yet to accept the proposed amendments.
The suspensions have seriously impacted both countries’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Congo is currently at the bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification, while Pakistan finished last in Group G during the AFC qualification’s second round.
