Congo FA president Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas goes AWOL ahead of explosive trial

Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) president, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, has reportedly fled the Republic of the Congo alongside his wife and son ahead of a high-profile court trial over alleged financial misconduct.

Mayolas and his family stand accused of embezzling $1.1 million from funds allocated by FIFA under its COVID-19 relief program in February 2021—money intended to support football development and sustain federations during the global pandemic.

According to multiple sources, the case proceeded in their absence, with the court ultimately delivering a guilty verdict in absentia. The ruling marks a significant development in a case that has drawn widespread attention and raised serious concerns about governance and accountability within African football administration.

Authorities wasted no time in escalating the situation following the verdict. International arrest warrants have now been issued through Interpol, as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to track down and apprehend Mayolas and his family.

The scandal has sent shockwaves through the football community in Congo and beyond, casting a shadow over the integrity of the federation’s leadership. The alleged misuse of FIFA funds—particularly those designated for emergency relief during the COVID-19 crisis—has further fueled criticism of financial oversight mechanisms within the sport.

Mayolas, a prominent figure in Congolese football, now faces mounting legal pressure as the search for him continues on an international scale. His reported flight from the country ahead of the trial has only deepened suspicion and added urgency to the case.

As investigations continue and authorities work to bring the accused to justice, the situation is likely to have lasting implications for football governance in the Republic of the Congo and could prompt stricter scrutiny of how international funds are managed across federations.