Interpol arrest warrant requested for FECOFOOT president Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas

Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, the President of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), has reportedly fled the Republic of the Congo alongside his wife and son, just days before he was due to stand trial in a high-profile corruption case that has sent shockwaves through African football.

Mayolas and his family are accused of embezzling $1.1 million disbursed by FIFA in February 2021 as part of its COVID-19 relief initiative, funds intended to sustain and develop football activities during the global pandemic.

Of that amount, $500,000 was specifically earmarked to support the women’s national team, raising serious concerns about the misuse of resources meant to promote the growth of the women’s game.

Court proceedings went ahead despite the absence of the accused, culminating in a guilty verdict delivered in absentia.

The ruling marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn widespread attention, not only for the scale of the alleged misappropriation but also for the implications it holds for governance in African football.

Following the verdict, authorities moved swiftly, issuing international arrest warrants through Interpol in a bid to locate and apprehend Mayolas and his family.

Security sources suggest the trio may be in hiding, with reports pointing to possible locations in neighboring countries including Cameroon, Gabon, or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The case stands as one of the most serious corruption scandals to hit African football in recent years, casting a shadow over efforts by governing bodies to improve transparency and accountability within the sport. It has also intensified scrutiny on how development funds are managed across the continent, particularly those intended to support vulnerable sectors such as women’s football.

As the manhunt continues, the fallout from the verdict is expected to reverberate well beyond the borders of the Republic of the Congo, with stakeholders across global football watching closely how the situation unfolds.

Meanwhile, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Mayolas, Wantete and Kanda last week for alleged financial misconduct. The charges under consideration include conflict of interest, forgery and improper acceptance of gifts after Fifa’s ethics committee received information and documents during a review.

Mayolas was suspended by the country’s sports ministry last year after being investigated for fraud. Fifa stepped in and banned Congo from international football for “third-party interference”, meaning that in March they had to forfeit World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Zambia, who were awarded 3-0 victories.