Rule change clears path for Mosengo-Omba in DR Congo FA election

FECOFA has amended its election eligibility rules in a move that could allow former CAF general secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba to run for president of the DR Congo football federation, as the organisation seeks to exit a prolonged governance reset.The election, originally due on April 11, has been pushed back to next month, with an elective general assembly scheduled for May 20.Mosengo-Omba submitted his candidacy at the close of nominations and is expected to be cleared subject to an electoral commission review of applications.The controversy centres on nationality and documentation, after Mosengo-Omba left DR Congo at 18 to study in Europe, later became a Swiss citizen and has used a Congolese diplomatic passport.FECOFA’s amendment broadens eligibility to include Congolese individuals previously involved in football administration, a change that would remove barriers under the prior statutes.Luc Mangala, a football agent in DR Congo, said: “Mosengo-Omba does not hold Congolese nationality, only a diplomatic passport; he has never completed the procedures to obtain full Congolese citizenship in all these years, and now he wants to do so and take over the presidency of our football federation? This is unacceptable.”Mangala also alleged Mosengo-Omba has told voters he is supported by President Félix Tshisekedi, a claim that adds political sensitivity to a process already under scrutiny.Patrice Motsepe, CAF’s president, has said Mosengo-Omba told him he had been asked by the DR Congo president to help with football development, while the country’s sports minister has denied reports of pressure on regional league leaders.Mosengo-Omba has rejected the idea that the rule change was designed for him, while acknowledging government support would help with infrastructure and delivery.Mosengo-Omba said: “Government support is essential for developing sports infrastructure, in particular. My candidacy scares some because everyone knows precisely that my war horse is the fight against corruption and the misuse of funds intended for football.”He has also presented a broader reform pitch built around governance and long-term development, describing a need to move beyond reliance on isolated talent bursts.Mosengo-Omba said: “A great football nation cannot depend on chance. It must be built on organisation, vision, and continuity.”He joins a crowded field that includes former DR Congo international Shabani Nonda and other candidates with domestic football backgrounds.The election has added significance because FECOFA has been operating under a FIFA normalisation committee in recent years amid efforts to address governance problems and unblock federation decision-making.Commercially, the outcome will influence how DR Congo position themselves with government, sponsors and international partners, particularly around infrastructure planning and the handling of federation funds.