EXPLAINER: Why FIFA banned Congo-Brazzaville and what it must do to return

World governing football body FIFA has set three conditions for the reinstatement of Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) following it's suspension.

FIFA, on Thursday, suspended the Congolese Football Federation with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organization , which constitutes  a clear violation of FECOFOOT's obligations in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.

The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched in Brazzaville. However in order to lift the suspension, certain conditions must be must as stipulated the the governing body.

1.  Returning full control of the FECOFOOT headquarters, the Ignié Technical Centre and the association’s other facilities to FECOFOOT.

2. Desisting from any efforts to change the signatories of the FECOFOOT bank accounts and/or giving full control back to the signatories recognised by FIFA and CAF.

3. Declaring invalid or setting aside any decisions, legal or otherwise, authorising the ad hoc committee to exercise any control or have any authority over FECOFOOT. Also of great importance is the ensuring of  full cooperation to allow FECOFOOT to manage its affairs without undue influence from third parties.

Alongside Congo, FIFA also suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) due to its failure to adopt a revision of the PFF Constitution that would ensure truly fair  and democratic elections and thereby fulfill it's obligations as mandated by Fifa.

FIFA warned that the suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC.