Lille on Collision Course with Congolese Federation Over Former FC Porto Player

Olivier Létang, president of Lille, expressed "deep dissatisfaction" with the absence of Chancel Mbemba, who remains on duty with the DR Congo national team despite club commitments, notably the Northern France derby against Lens, scheduled for this Saturday.

The controversy arose after the African national team secured a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, their first in 52 years, by defeating Jamaica 1-0 in Tuesday's playoff. Following this achievement, the Congolese captain, who played for FC Porto for four seasons (from 2018 to 2022), reportedly traveled to his home country to participate in official celebrations organized by the presidential office, a decision that infuriated the Lille management.

While coach Bruno Genesio prepares for the crucial match at Stade Pierre-Mauroy with almost the entire squad available, the central defender's absence is notable. His compatriot, Ngal’ayel Mukau, has already returned to the club's training center, but the defender who joined Lille this season (with 20 appearances) remains absent.

Olivier Létang accuses the Congolese federation of disrespecting international regulations. "The Congolese federation unilaterally decided to hold onto the players until Monday, when FIFA regulations are clear: players must return to their clubs 48 hours after the match," stated the Lille president, emphasizing that Mbemba "should have arrived in Lille late Thursday afternoon."

The case has already been referred to the competent authorities, with the French club taking formal action. "The process is now in the hands of FIFA's disciplinary committee, as this sets a very dangerous precedent for all clubs who pay players' salaries," Létang added. "The authorities are very attentive and have also written to the Congolese federation."

The executive further revealed that the Ligue 1 club was prepared to grant Chancel Mbemba a two-to-three-day leave, but only after the derby against Lens. The defender, who has already featured in 20 matches across all competitions this season, now finds himself at the center of an institutional dispute.

It's worth remembering that the DR Congo national team will face Portugal in the World Cup, being drawn in Group K alongside Uzbekistan and Colombia.