World football governing body FIFA has launched formal investigations into three top officials of the Congolese Football Association over alleged financial irregularities linked to the use of FIFA funds.
Those under scrutiny include FECOFOOT President Jean Guy Mayolas, General Secretary Wantete Badji, and Finance Director Raoul Kanda.
In a statement released on Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that its investigatory chamber under the independent Ethics Committee had opened formal proceedings after reviewing documents and evidence obtained through its internal processes.
According to FIFA, the material reviewed “indicates potential financial irregularities and inconsistencies relating to the use of FIFA-allocated funds,” prompting the body to establish a prima facie case for possible breaches of its Code of Ethics.
The statement added that the chairperson of the investigatory chamber approved the opening of proceedings against the three officials based on the available evidence.
FIFA further revealed that the alleged conduct may violate several key provisions of its Ethics Code, including Article 29 (misappropriation and misuse of funds), Article 25 (forgery and falsification), Article 20 (conflicts of interest), and Article 21 (offering and accepting gifts and other benefits). It noted that additional breaches could be identified as the investigation progresses.
The global body reiterated its stance on accountability, stressing its commitment to ensuring that funds allocated to member associations are properly utilized while upholding transparency and integrity in football administration worldwide.
FIFA also stated that it would refrain from making further comments while the investigation remains ongoing.
The development comes amid mounting legal troubles for Mayolas, who was recently convicted in absentia by a criminal court in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. He, alongside his wife and son, was found guilty of embezzling approximately $1.1 million in FIFA funds.
The court handed Mayolas a life sentence on charges including money laundering, forgery, and misappropriation, adding further weight to the ongoing FIFA investigation.
