The Fédération congolaise de football association (FECOFA) has concluded a recycling course for elite central and assistant referees in Kinshasa. The course, which took place over several days, was held in preparation for the 2026-2027 sports season. It brought together all elite referees who will officiate matches in the Illicocash Ligue 1 and the Coupe du Congo. The goal was to enhance their technical and physical capabilities before the launch of national competitions.
The course covered various topics, including an update on the Laws of the Game 2026-2027, FIFA physical tests, video evaluations, and modules on match management, on-field communication, and the use of video assistant referees (VAR). The closing ceremony was presided over by FECOFA's Secretary General, Laetitia Muderhwa, who symbolically blew the final whistle of the recycling session. She commended the participants for their attendance and discipline throughout the training.
In her address, Muderhwa emphasized the expectations of the federation from the referees. She stated that they are the guarantors of fairness and credibility in the championship. The FECOFA expects more professionalism, integrity, and rigor from them. The 2026-2027 season will be demanding, with the public and clubs expecting high-level refereeing. Muderhwa also assured the referees that the FECOFA is committed to improving their working conditions and continuing efforts to professionalize the refereeing sector.
According to the FECOFA, only referees who pass the physical and theoretical tests will be allowed to officiate matches from the start of the national season, expected to begin soon. This move aims to ensure high-quality refereeing and enhance the credibility of national competitions. The federation is taking steps to guarantee that referees are adequately prepared to handle the demands of the upcoming season.
The course was designed to equip referees with the necessary skills to handle the challenges of the new season. The FECOFA has been working to improve the standard of refereeing in the country. The recycling course is part of the federation's efforts to ensure that referees are up-to-date with the latest developments in the game. This will enable them to make accurate decisions and manage matches effectively.
The FECOFA's commitment to improving refereeing standards is reflected in its investment in training and development programs. The federation recognizes the crucial role that referees play in the success of national competitions. By providing referees with the necessary skills and knowledge, the FECOFA aims to enhance the overall quality of football in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The conclusion of the recycling course marks an important milestone in the preparations for the 2026-2027 sports season. The FECOFA's efforts to improve refereeing standards are expected to have a positive impact on the game in the country. The federation's focus on professionalism, integrity, and rigor will help to ensure that national competitions are fair, credible, and enjoyable for all stakeholders.
Key points
- The FECOFA has concluded a recycling course for elite referees in Kinshasa ahead of the 2026-2027 sports season.
- The course covered topics such as the Laws of the Game, FIFA physical tests, and video evaluations.
- Only referees who pass the physical and theoretical tests will be allowed to officiate matches from the start of the national season.
