The Confederation of African Football, CAF has excluded Congo from competing in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The CAF disciplinary body, following on a complaint lodged by the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation, FEGUIFUT, decided that the Congolese team played an ineligible player in the qualifiers last month.
Congo showcased the player in question, Mankou Nguembete Japhet Elo, in both legs of the qualifying round.
The Congolese Football Federation was also hit with a $10,000 fine by CAF for their actions.
After the decision by the continent’s soccer governing body, Equatorial Guinea will now play the Home Eagles, reigning champions Senegal, and Sudan in Group D at CHAN 2024. Players that compete in their countries’ domestic leagues are eligible to enter CHAN.