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FIFA has launched an investigation into the officials of the Congo Brazzaville Football Federation (Fecofoot) following allegations of financial misconduct.
The investigation is focused on three high-ranking figures within the federation: president Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, secretary-general Wantete Badji, and financial director Raoul Kanda. These officials are accused of embezzling funds that were allocated to the federation by FIFA.
On March 10, 2026, the Brazzaville criminal court convicted the three men of money laundering, forgery, the use of forged documents, and embezzlement. Mayolas was sentenced to life for allegedly misappropriating over 1 million euros (approximately $1.15 million) in FIFA funds. Meanwhile, Badji and Kanda were each sentenced to five years in prison for their roles in the financial scandal.
The scandal comes at a time when Fecofoot was already under scrutiny. In 2025, FIFA suspended the federation due to political interference after the Congolese government dismissed Mayolas from his post. This suspension caused significant disruption for the national team, leading to the forfeiture of two critical World Cup qualifiers against Zambia and Tanzania. However, the suspension was eventually lifted after FIFA resolved the matter.
The investigation is part of FIFA’s continued efforts to ensure financial integrity and transparency in global football governance, as it seeks to hold accountable those responsible for the mismanagement of funds meant to support the growth and development of the sport.
