Congo Football In Turmoil As Federation President Accused of Embezzling FIFA Funds

Congo Football In Turmoil As Federation President Accused of Embezzling FIFA Funds

By Niyi Busari 

Congolese football has been thrown into crisis following serious allegations against Jean Guy Blaise Mayolas, president of the Congolese Football Federation. He is accused of misappropriating more than $1 million in subsidies allocated by FIFA for the development of the sport, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to an investigation published by The Guardian, a network of shell companies was allegedly established to divert funds intended to support football infrastructure and development programs. The revelations have raised serious concerns about governance, accountability and financial transparency within the federation.

The matter escalated on Friday, February 27, when Congo’s Ministry of Sports filed a formal complaint, prompting action by law enforcement authorities. The gendarmerie subsequently arrested the federation’s secretary general, Badji Mombo, and its treasurer, Mr. Kanda, as part of a widening probe into the management of international funding.

With senior officials now under investigation, the leadership and credibility of the federation face significant uncertainty. The case could result in substantial sanctions from both national authorities and FIFA, which enforces strict regulations regarding the use of its development grants.