Blatter extends his condolences to Congolese football

Blatter extends his condolences to Congolese football


Following the death of six Congo DR football officials in an air crash last Friday, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to the country’s Football Association to offer his condolences.

The plane, a Boeing 727 operated by Hewa Bora Airways, crashed in the city of Kisangani, in the north east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 112 passengers and six crew on board. The final death toll has yet to be confirmed.

Among those dead are Tshimuanga Mukobuela, a member of the national football league’s management committee, match commissioner Mafuta Kibeke, international referee Justin Mayabuana, and national referees Benjamin Mpande, Mahungu Miboti and Manix Bofanda.

The six were travelling to Kisangani for the league match between Tout Solide Malekesa and Tout Puissant Mazembe.

“On behalf of FIFA and in my own name, I am writing to extend my most sincere condolences to you and to the Congo DR Football Association,” wrote Blatter in a letter to the President of the Congo DR Football Association Constant Omari Selemani.

“I would also be grateful if you would pass on the deepest sympathies and support of the entire football world to the families, friends and clubs of the victims at this especially difficult time.”