Togo FA President Gabriel Améyi Arrested After CAN 2015 Draw
Lomé, Togo – Gabriel Améyi, president of the Togolese Football Federation (FTF), was reportedly arrested Thursday night upon his return from Equatorial Guinea, where he had attended the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations draw held in Malabo.
Unclear Motives Behind the Arrest
While the exact reasons for his arrest remain undisclosed, sources confirm that Améyi is currently being detained at the National Gendarmerie in Lomé. The incident comes amid heightened tensions and scrutiny over governance in Togolese football.
A Pattern of Allegations
Améyi, who is also a businessman and president of Maranatha FC, has been at the center of multiple corruption allegations during his tenure. His mandate officially expired on November 4, yet he remains in power, drawing criticism from several quarters.
Just last weekend, Tata Avlessi, a former FTF president, publicly accused Améyi on Radio Fréquence 1 of attempting to bribe club presidents to manipulate league standings — offering better championship positions in exchange for money.
FIFA Delegation in Lomé Amid Crisis
This development coincides with the visit of a FIFA delegation to Lomé, which began Wednesday. The delegation’s objective is to resolve the deepening crisis within Togolese football and oversee key reforms.
An extraordinary congress is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, where stakeholders are expected to adopt a new electoral code and appoint an electoral commission — vital steps toward holding fresh FTF elections.
With Améyi’s arrest just days before this pivotal congress, the situation is likely to escalate tensions and complicate FIFA’s mediation mission.
