A football coach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo previously banned for 20 years by Fifa for sexually abusing a minor has received a five-year extension to his ban, keeping him out of the sport until 2048. Jonathan Bukabakwa, also known as Messi, was additionally ordered to pay a $15,000 fine after Football | The Guardian reported that he continued working with young players despite his active suspension.
Fines and Safeguarding Orders for Fecofa and Club
Fifa’s ethics committee issued $50,000 fines to both the Congolese Association Football Federation (Fecofa) and Racing Club Baki, where Bukabakwa coached, for failing to enforce the initial 2023 ban. Fecofa must also establish a comprehensive education, compliance, and monitoring program for all officials, affiliated clubs, and registered members to prevent similar incidents.
A Fifa statement noted that Fecofa, Racing Club Baki—formerly known as Esperanto FC—and Bukabakwa were all found responsible for non-compliance with the ethics committee decision rendered on October 18, 2023.
Investigation and Coach’s Response
Bukabakwa previously coached youth teams in the Limpopo and Malabo regions and served a prison sentence after being convicted of sexually abusing minors by DRC authorities, before his release last year. An investigation by Football | The Guardian published in August uncovered video footage showing him coaching youngsters at Esperanto in the Limete district of Kinshasa, while local sources confirmed his regular presence managing players on a school field.
While acknowledging he continued coaching youth players, Bukabakwa argued he never received notification of his Fifa ban, stating he was neither questioned nor contacted by the governing body. He maintained denials regarding the allegations.
Wider Safeguarding Concerns in DRC Football
The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding safeguarding protocols within Congolese football and the enforcement capabilities of local authorities. Fecofa initially suspended Bukabakwa provisionally in November 2022 following media reports concerning widespread sexual abuse in the DRC, alongside several other coaches.
Véron Mosengo-Omba, who assumed the Fecofa presidency in May following a period under a Fifa-appointed normalization committee between 2023 and his election, committed to reviewing past cases once a disciplinary committee is reinstated. He stated that the organization will ensure individuals engaging in such behavior are kept out of football in the country.
Source: Football | The Guardian
