The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football league, Linafoot, has ruled that Malawian attacker Patrick Mwaungulu was ineligible to play for TP Mazembe in recent matches against Aigles du Congo and Maniema Union. This decision has led to a forfeiture of points for TP Mazembe, significantly impacting their pursuit of a spot in continental tournaments.
Linafoot’s ruling, outlined in decision N° LNF/041 of June 17, 2025, stems from a complaint lodged by Maniema Union, which questioned Mwaungulu’s eligibility. The league body found Mazembe guilty of fielding Mwaungulu while he was also registered with another club, Don Bosco. As a result, Linafoot awarded 3-0 victories to both Aigles du Congo and Maniema Union for their respective matches against Mazembe.
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Despite Linafoot’s firm stance, TP Mazembe has officially appealed the decision. The club announced on Wednesday via their Facebook page that they believe Mwaungulu was formally and correctly registered with them.
The club stated they will “use all legal means to have its rights restored” and are “confident it will be vindicated based on documents in its possession and FIFA and FECOFA regulations.” TP Mazembe is appealing to Linafoot first, before considering further action.
The issue surrounding Mwaungulu’s eligibility appears to be linked to his recent history. Earlier this season, Mwaungulu, along with fellow Malawian Lanjesi Nkhoma, was loaned to Don Bosco. This loan occurred while TP Mazembe was serving a FIFA ban on registering new players. Upon the lifting of the ban, both players reportedly returned to Mazembe.
Mwaungulu, a former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets attacker, had quickly integrated into the Mazembe squad, scoring in his first two matches and becoming a key set-piece taker. He was notably absent from Mazembe’s 2-0 victory over Motema Pembe in the Ligue 1 Playoffs on Wednesday, a match where Lanjesi Nkhoma started.
According to Article 302 of the General and Sports Regulations, “An appeal lodged by an affiliate or a club against a decision taken by a jurisdictional authority interrupts the effect of the decision from the moment the appeal is received by the Secretariat of the Appellate Body.” This means the immediate impact of Linafoot’s decision may be temporarily halted as the appeal process unfolds.
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