The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Federation, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a court found him guilty of multiple financial crimes linked to the administration of football in the country.
The ruling followed an eight-month probe into corruption allegations inside the federation, widely known as FECOFA. Investigators accused Mayolas of abusing his office and diverting funds meant for the development of the game.
The court held that the football chief was involved in money laundering, embezzlement, forgery and the use of falsified documents. Judges delivered the verdict in his absence, highlighting the seriousness of the charges.
FECOFA Secretary-General Badji Mombo Wantete and the federation’s treasurer Raoul Kanda were each sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of taking part in the financial misconduct uncovered during the investigation.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo say the convictions signal a tougher stance on corruption in the management of football. Officials insist the move is meant to reinforce transparency and restore confidence in the country’s sporting institutions.
themomentng reports that the development comes at a time of legal tension involving Nigeria and the Congolese football authorities over an eligibility dispute tied to the latter federation.
