Coach banned until 2048 for training DR Congo kids while suspended for sexual abuse

Fifa has extended Jonathan Bukabakwa’s football ban by five years, to 2048, after he continued coaching young players while suspended. The case has renewed concerns about safeguarding in Congolese football and whether authorities can prevent suspended people from working in the sport.

Bukabakwa was banned for 20 years in 2023 after authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo convicted him of sexually abusing minors; he was released from prison last year. Fifa also fined him $15,000 and fined the Congolese football federation and Racing Club Baki $50,000 each for failing to enforce the ban. The federation must introduce an education, compliance and monitoring programme.