The president of the Congolese Football Federation, Jean‑Guy Blaise Mayolas, has been handed a life sentence after being found guilty in a major corruption case involving funds designated for women’s football development during the COVID‑19 period.
The verdict was issued on Tuesday after months of investigations into suspected financial misconduct within FECOFOOT. Mayolas was convicted of multiple charges, including money laundering, embezzlement, and forgery. The court found the case centred on the alleged diversion of FIFA‑allocated development funds, especially those meant for women’s football projects during the pandemic.
Prosecutors stated that Mayolas redirected nearly $1.3 million through fraudulent channels and falsified documents, using money intended for national football development for personal benefit.
He did not attend the hearing and was sentenced in absentia. In an unexpected development, the court also imposed life sentences on his wife and son, who were found complicit in the scheme.
Several other senior federation figures were also implicated. FECOFOOT general secretary Badji Mombo Wantete and treasurer Raoul Kanda each received five‑year prison sentences for their roles in the financial misconduct.
Authorities reported that the judgment followed an eight‑month investigation involving reviews of financial statements, banking records, and internal administrative procedures. The ruling is considered one of the most significant legal actions ever taken against a football official in the country and is expected to influence future governance reforms within Congolese football.
The scandal broke at a challenging moment for the sport domestically. DR Congo is preparing for its final inter‑confederation playoff match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on March 31, 2026, in Zapopan, Mexico, where the national team hopes to secure a spot at the tournament.
With the court case now concluded, attention is turning toward potential reforms aimed at restoring trust, transparency, and accountability within the federation.
