FECOFOOT President Flees Country Amid $1.1 Million Embezzlement Scandal
Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, president of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), has fled the Republic of the Congo with his wife and son ahead of their trial. They are accused of embezzling $1.1 million provided by FIFA in February 2021 as part of its COVID-19 relief fund.
The funds were meant to support football development in the country, with $500,000 specifically set aside for the women’s national team. Authorities say the money was misused for personal gain.
Despite their absence, the court went ahead with the trial and found Mayolas and his family guilty in absentia. International arrest warrants have now been issued through Interpol, and reports suggest they could be hiding in Cameroon, Gabon, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This case is considered one of the most serious corruption scandals in African football in recent years, drawing attention to the need for stronger oversight of football funds.
