USM Moundou faces exclusion from Chadian national football play-offs

Union sportive de Moundou (USM) has been crowned champion of the Logone occidental first division provincial football championship for the 2025-2026 season. However, the club faces potential exclusion from the national play-offs scheduled to begin on September 23 in N’Djamena.

The uncertainty stems from a dispute regarding competition criteria set by the Chadian Football Federation. Federal authorities claim the provincial championship failed to meet requirements because it only included six teams, all from the Lac-Wey department. To qualify for the national play-offs organized by the Ligue nationale de football (LINAFOOT), a provincial championship must feature teams from all four departments of the province.

Djasrabé Nguebel Gilles, president of the Logone occidental provincial football league, has contested this decision, citing a lack of equity. He noted that previous clubs, such as Université de Moundou (UDM), were permitted to qualify under similar circumstances. The provincial league is currently seeking a formal re-examination of the decision by the federation.