The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly disqualified Congo from participating in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda this August.
Although CAF has yet to release an official statement, reports suggest that Congo was removed from the competition due to the inclusion of an ineligible player during the qualifying matches against Equatorial Guinea.
The controversy centers on Mankou Nguembete Japhet Eloi, who allegedly played for Leones Vegetarianos, a club based in Equatorial Guinea.
This violates the competition’s regulations, which require players to feature exclusively for domestic clubs within their home country.
Furthermore, Congo reportedly failed to provide valid national licenses, another mandatory requirement for participation.
As a result, Equatorial Guinea, initially eliminated by Congo, has been reinstated and placed in Group D alongside defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Nigeria.
In addition to disqualification, the Congolese Football Association has been fined $10,000 by CAF, with payment due within 60 days.