FIFA Investigates Congolese FA Officials Over Alleged Fund Misuse

The investigatory chamber of FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee has initiated formal proceedings against three senior officials of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) over alleged financial misconduct involving FIFA funds.

The officials under investigation are FECOFOOT President Jean Guy Mayolas, General Secretary Wantete Badji, and Finance Director Raoul Kanda.

According to Ireporter Online, FIFA confirmed the development in a statement released on Wednesday, noting that its review of internal documentation revealed potential financial irregularities.

“This material indicates potential financial irregularities and inconsistencies relating to the use of FIFA-allocated funds,” the statement said. “Based on this information, the investigatory chamber has determined that there is a prima facie basis to open proceedings for potential breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics.”

FIFA clarified that the conduct under scrutiny may violate multiple provisions of its Code of Ethics, including misappropriation and misuse of funds, forgery and falsification, conflicts of interest, and offering or accepting gifts and other benefits. The organization also noted that the list of potential violations could evolve as the investigation progresses.

The case follows a criminal court ruling in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, where Mayolas, along with his wife and son, was convicted in absentia of embezzling approximately $1.1 million in FIFA funds. Mayolas was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges that included money laundering, forgery, and misappropriation.