FIFA’s investigatory chamber under its independent Ethics Committee has launched formal proceedings against three senior officials of the Congolese Football Association over alleged financial misconduct involving FIFA funds.
Those under investigation include FECOFOOT president Jean Guy Mayolas, General Secretary Wantete Badji, and Finance Director Raoul Kanda.
The decision was confirmed in a statement released on FIFA’s official website on Wednesday, following a review of information and documentation obtained through a FIFA-led process.
According to FIFA, the materials reviewed suggest possible financial irregularities and inconsistencies in the use of funds allocated by the organisation.
Based on these findings, the investigatory chamber concluded there were sufficient grounds to open formal proceedings for potential breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics.
The officials are being investigated for possible violations, including misappropriation and misuse of funds, forgery and falsification, conflicts of interest, and the offering or acceptance of gifts and other benefits. FIFA noted that the list of potential breaches could be updated as the investigation continues.
The global governing body reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability in the use of its funds and maintaining integrity across football administration worldwide. It added that no further comments will be made while the proceedings remain ongoing.
The development follows reports that a criminal court in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, recently convicted Mayolas, along with his wife and son, in absentia for allegedly embezzling about $1.1 million in FIFA funds.
The court reportedly handed Mayolas a life sentence on charges including money laundering, forgery, and misappropriation.
