Shocking scandal: CAF under fire over $27,000 payment controversy

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is facing renewed criticism following reports that funds amounting to nearly $27,000 were transferred directly to the personal account of a federation president.

The latest development adds to existing pressure on the organisation, which has already been under scrutiny in the aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and amid broader allegations of corruption.

The new claims have intensified questions about governance and financial oversight within African football’s governing body.

According to Sport News Africa, the payments were made to Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, president of the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofoot).

The report states that the total amount transferred was approximately $27,000 (€23,033.72), split across two separate transactions.

The events are said to have taken place before Mayolas was charged in Congo with money laundering and embezzlement.

He was later convicted in absentia and sentenced to life imprisonment in March.

His current status is that of a fugitive, with an international arrest warrant reportedly in place.

The reported transfers have raised concerns about how the funds were handled and whether appropriate checks were carried out.

According to the same source, Mayolas had sought financial support from CAF after Fecofoot was deprived of funding from FIFA, following a report from the organisation’s finance committee.

In response to the funding gap, he is said to have approached CAF with a request to assist in covering the salaries of federation employees.

However, it is alleged that the bank account details provided were altered, resulting in the funds being directed to his personal account.

The breakdown of the payments includes an initial transfer of $1,985, followed by a second transfer of $24,985.

Together, these amounts form the total sum at the centre of the controversy.

The absence of a clear justification for the payments has led to further criticism.

According to Sport News Africa, no supporting documentation or explanation was presented to CAF regarding the use of the funds, raising questions about internal procedures and verification processes.

The case has also drawn attention to broader governance issues within the organisation.

CAF, led by president Patrice Motsepe, is now facing scrutiny over how such transactions were authorised and whether safeguards were sufficient to prevent misuse.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing investigations involving individuals linked to the Congolese federation.

In addition to Mayolas, general secretary Badji Mombo Wantete and treasurer Raoul Kanda are also reported to be under review by FIFA’s ethics committee.

These developments contribute to a wider context of concern surrounding financial management and accountability in football administration.

The combination of legal proceedings, reported payments and ethical inquiries has placed the spotlight firmly on the structures responsible for oversight.

CAF has not been immune to controversy in recent years, and this latest case adds to a series of challenges that have tested confidence in its governance.

FECOFOOT 🇨🇬 : comment la CAF a financé le compte personnel de Mayolas

Lorsque la FIFA a bloqué le compte où la fédération congolaise reçevait ses subventions, le président Mayolas a changé les coordonnées pour son propre compte et la CAF a effectué des versements directs

A…

— Romain Molina (@Romain_Molina) April 27, 2026

The organisation’s response to the allegations is likely to be closely watched, particularly in terms of transparency and corrective measures.

For now, the details surrounding the reported payments remain a subject of investigation and debate.

The questions raised by the case highlight the importance of robust financial controls and clear accountability in managing funds within international sport.

As scrutiny continues, the outcome of ongoing inquiries may determine the extent of any consequences for those involved, as well as the potential impact on CAF’s reputation and operations.