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Former Head of Republic of Congo Soccer Federation Gets Life Sentence for Embezzling FIFA Funds
Mayolas and his son were sentenced to life for embezzling $1.1 million in FIFA funds, including $500,000 for women's soccer, with several associates also convicted.
- On Tuesday, former Republic of Congo soccer federation president Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas was convicted and sentenced to life in prison after being tried in absentia as his whereabouts remained unknown.
- Prosecutors said the federation diverted about $1.1 million in FIFA funding, including a $500,000 COVID-19 grant for women’s soccer, while projects were not implemented.
- The court found Mayolas guilty of money laundering, forgery, use of forged documents, and misappropriation, with Lionel Mayolas sentenced to life and Badji Mombo Wantete and Raoul Kanda receiving five years.
- FIFA suspended the federation last year after the Congolese government removed Mayolas in September 2024, and Republic of Congo forfeited two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches during the suspension.
- FIFA says it audits accounts to ensure funds member federations receive are spent appropriately, and several associates were also convicted in the case.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Ex-Congo football chief gets life sentence over $1.1m FIFA funds
Former Republic of Congo soccer federation president Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas was convicted of embezzling $1.1 million in FIFA funds and sentenced to life in prison Tuesday though he remains on the loose.
Radio France Internationale
SOFOOT.comThe Congolese justice has condemned Jean Guy Blaise Lionel Mayolas for misappropriation and money laundering, linked in particular to aid paid during the Covid-19 pandemic.
African football is again in the spotlight. Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, former president of the Congolese Federation, was convicted of hijacking EUR 1.1 million.
Associated Press News
Former head of Republic of Congo soccer federation gets life sentence for embezzling FIFA funds
Former Republic of Congo soccer federation president Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas has been convicted of embezzling $1.1 million in FIFA funds and sentenced to life in prison though he remains on the loose.
Former president of the Congolese Football Federation, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, is accused of hijacking more than one million euros.
Congo Football Chief Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fraud & Money Laundering | FIFA Funds Scandal - Archysport
Brazzaville, Congo – In a stunning verdict delivered Tuesday, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, the former president of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), was sentenced to life in prison for embezzlement, forgery, and money laundering. The ruling comes after a sweeping investigation into the financial management of the federation, revealing a systematic scheme to misappropriate funds, including significant sums from FIFA. Mayolas, 63, was conv…
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