The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted in a major corruption case involving funds meant for football development.
A court on Tuesday March 10, found Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, head of the country’s FA, guilty of several offences including money laundering, embezzlement and forgery following months of investigations.
Mayolas did not appear in court for the hearing and was therefore sentenced in absentia. The court also handed life sentences to his wife and son, who prosecutors said were involved in the scheme.
Prosecutors said the case centred on the alleged diversion of money allocated by FIFA to support football development programmes in the country.
“Financial records examined during the investigation showed that close to $1.3m meant for football development was redirected through a network of fraudulent transactions,” a prosecution statement said.
According to investigators, the funds were moved through falsified financial documents and bank transfers designed to conceal their origin and purpose. Two other senior officials within the federation were also convicted.
The federation’s general secretary, Badji Mombo Wantete, and its treasurer, Raoul Kanda, were each sentenced to five years in prison for their roles in the financial irregularities.
Authorities said the verdict followed an eight-month investigation during which prosecutors examined banking records, administrative procedures and internal financial documents.
A judicial official involved in the case said the ruling marked “one of the most significant legal actions against a football administrator in the country.”
The decision is expected to trigger renewed calls for reforms in the governance of football in DR Congo as authorities seek to restore public confidence in the federation.
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to the national team, which is preparing for its final 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation play-off match scheduled for 31 March in Zapopan, Mexico, where it will attempt to secure a place at the tournament.
With the court proceedings concluded, officials say efforts will now focus on restructuring the federation and strengthening financial oversight within the sport.
Credit: Mavis Fantevi
