Chad Premier League: Football, Governance, and the FTFA Recovery Story

When you hear Chad Premier League, the top-tier professional football competition in Chad, organized by the Chadian Football Federation. Also known as LINAFOOT, it's more than just matches—it's a symbol of resilience in a country where football is the heartbeat of daily life. This league didn’t just start with a whistle. It survived a five-year FIFA ban, political interference, and near-collapse. The Chadian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Chad, responsible for managing the national team Les Sao and domestic leagues was suspended from 2021 to 2025 after government officials took control of its elections. That’s not just bad governance—it’s a direct violation of FIFA’s rules on autonomy. But in March 2025, after a full restructuring, FIFA reinstated the FTFA. The FTFA, the official acronym for the Chadian Football Federation, which now operates under new leadership and transparent election processes is back, and the Chad Premier League is finally running again.

What does this mean for fans? It means real games, real stakes, and real hope. Clubs from N’Djamena, Moundou, and Sarh are competing again, not just for trophies, but for legitimacy. The league’s return signals that local football can survive even when politics tries to crush it. And it’s not just about pride—this recovery opens doors for international funding, youth development programs, and even future World Cup qualifiers. Chad has never made it to the World Cup, but now, with clean leadership and renewed energy, the dream feels less distant. The FIFA ban Chad, the suspension imposed by FIFA due to government interference in the federation’s operations, lasting from 2021 to 2025 wasn’t just a punishment—it was a wake-up call. And the FTFA listened.

Behind every match in the Chad Premier League is a story of bureaucracy, survival, and community. The league’s revival wasn’t handed to them—it was fought for. New board members, audited finances, and youth academies are now part of the plan. This isn’t just about fixing a national team. It’s about rebuilding trust—from players to parents, from local sponsors to global partners. If you’re following African football, this is one of the most important comeback stories of the decade. You won’t find flashy stats or big-name transfers here. But you’ll find something rarer: a sport rising from the ashes, one game at a time.

Below, you’ll find detailed posts on the FTFA’s history, the impact of the FIFA ban, how LINAFOOT operates today, and what’s next for football in Chad. No fluff. Just facts, timelines, and the real people making it happen.