FIFA impose normalisation committee on Congo to organise elections
April 26 – FIFA has appointed a normalisation committee to oversee the daily affairs and elections of the Congo DR Football Association (FECOFA).
Africa
Zambian football remembers Gabon plane crash that wiped out a golden generation
April 26 – Zambian football is to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the plane crash that wiped out almost of all the national team, at the time viewed as the country’s golden generation of players.
South African FA turns back on hosting Cosafa tournaments saying other nations must now step up
April 24 – The South African FA has said it no longer wants to hold tournaments organised by its regional confederation, the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa), saying that the events drain government resources and harm the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) access to funding.
Namibia pull out of joint bid leaving Botswana with prospect of going solo for AFCON 2027
April 21 – Botswana are trying to salvage their efforts to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after Namibia withdrew from a joint bid one day before the deadline for submitting expressions of interest.
Beer brand Castel returns to sponsorship of Malawian football
April 18 – Beer brand Castel has returned to sponsor Malawian football with an €887,000 (1 billion Kawcha) commitment to the local challenge cup.
Al Ahly fan ban after Zamalek hatred bubbles over in Pharco with Shikabala insults
April 17 – Three thousand Al Ahly fans have been suspended for two games for shouting “insults” aimed at Zamalek’s Egypt international Shikabala during the club’s last game against Pharco.
Libya detains two Marumo Gallants officials over unpaid hotel bill
April 4 – Two South African club officials held in Libya for more than two weeks over unpaid bills will not be allowed to travel home until the debt is settled.
Kenyan court clears former FA president Mwenda of embezzlement
April 3 – Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwenda has been cleared by a domestic court of graft charges.
CAF dampens Euro enthusiasm for Ivory Coast AFCON setting Jan-Feb 2024 dates for finals
March 31 – The next Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast will run from January 13 to February 11 next year, potentially throwing up yet another club versus country clash for top African players in Europe’s elite leagues.
South Africa return to AFCON finals; Senegal, Burkina Faso and Tunisia book Ivory Coast slots
March 29 – South Africa will return to the Africa Cup of Nations after booking their ticket with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Liberia. Senegal, Burkina Faso and Tunisia also ensured their presence at the finals in Ivory Coast with wins on Tuesday.
Algeria book slot for AFCON finals as qualifiers reach crucial final phase
March 28 – Algeria have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win against Niger through a sixth-minute strike by Baghdad Bounedjah. On 12 points, they enjoy an unassailable lead in Group F with two matches to go.
FIFA suspends Congo coaches and opens into abuse probe
March 23 – FIFA and its Ethics Committee have suspended a number of coaches in DR Congo accused of having abused minor players, the world federation announced on Wednesday.
Motsepe hints that he is done leading in CAF and won’t seek a second term
March 20 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has given another clear hint that he will not stand for re-election for a second term.
Ghana lays Christian Atsu to rest with service at State House
March 20 – Ghana’s president was among hundreds of mourners who paid their last respects at the funeral on Friday of former international Christian Atsu, who died last month in the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey.
Controversial Zamalek boss Mansour jailed for defamation of rival Al Ahly president
March 1 – The president of leading Egyptian side Zamalek, Mortada Mansour (pictured), has been jailed for a month for “verbally insulting” his counterpart at bitter Cairo rivals Al Ahly.