DR Congo football giants TP Mazembe have been suspended from all competitions organised by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) over an unpaid debt owed to AC Rangers, just days after receiving a financial reward for winning the national league title.
The Lubumbashi-based club was handed a 30-day suspension after failing to settle an $85,000 obligation linked to the transfers of players Bossou Nzali Adam and Kazema Baso Josué.
FECOFA confirmed that the suspension will remain in place until TP Mazembe clears the outstanding amount, leaving the five-time African champions facing uncertainty ahead of the new Ligue 1 season.
The disciplinary action comes shortly after Mazembe received a $150,000 bonus for winning the 31st edition of the Congolese Ligue 1 championship.
However, the celebrations surrounding their domestic success were quickly overshadowed by the federation’s decision, which prevents the club from participating in competitions under FECOFA’s authority until the financial dispute is resolved.
In a statement received by CPA on Thursday, FECOFA explained the basis for its decision.
“Consequently, TP Mazembe is suspended with immediate effect for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of notification of this decision. This suspension will remain in force until full payment of the sum of 85,000 ¢ owed to AC Rangers,” it is read.
The case was handled by FECOFA’s Disciplinary and Disputes Committee (CDC), which ruled that the debt originated from transfer agreements involving Bossou Nzali Adam and Kazema Baso Josué.
According to the federation, the matter had been debated extensively before a final decision was reached in favour of AC Rangers.
Mazembe had reportedly been given a 20-day grace period to resolve the issue, but FECOFA stated that the club failed to complete the payment within the timeframe provided.
Following the expiration of that period, the disciplinary committee moved to enforce sanctions in accordance with the federation’s disciplinary regulations.
The decision means TP Mazembe must now settle the outstanding debt before they can return to normal competition. Failure to do so could lead to more severe consequences, including possible exclusion from FECOFA-organised competitions.
The disciplinary committee also referred the matter to the National Football League (Linafoot) and other relevant football bodies to implement the sporting and administrative consequences of the suspension.
