Mamoutou Touré, the 67-year-old president of the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot), has announced his withdrawal from elections for the FIFA Council and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee.
The announcement comes as Touré continues to manage Femafoot from prison, where he has been held since August 2023 on charges of embezzlement, forgery, and misuse of public funds.
In a press release issued from his cell in Bamako, Touré reiterated his innocence and claimed he was the victim of a politically motivated campaign by opponents.
Despite his incarceration, he was re-elected as Femafoot president in September 2023 for a four-year term, running unopposed after rival candidates were disqualified.
Challenges and Controversies
Touré’s detention has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about governance within Malian football.
While Touré has managed to retain significant influence over Femafoot operations, his legal troubles and lack of support from international football bodies have weakened his position.
The absence of institutional backing, particularly from FIFA and CAF, has been a critical factor in Touré’s decision to step away from international candidacies.
“This decision, carefully considered, was not easy to take. But it demonstrates my desire to make way for a serene future and fully operational governance,” he stated.
Touré emphasized that his withdrawal aims to create a stable environment for Malian football while reaffirming his commitment to the development of the sport in the country.
However, his leadership remains divisive, as Femafoot continues to navigate an internal crisis that has left the organization in a precarious state.
Future Uncertainty
Despite stepping back from his international ambitions, Touré’s role within Femafoot remains intact.
His re-election in 2023 underscored his grip on the federation, even under extraordinary circumstances.
However, his ongoing legal battles and the federation’s internal turmoil have cast doubt on Femafoot’s ability to effectively contribute to continental football governance.
The upcoming CAF and Executive Committee elections, set for March 2025, highlight the stakes for African football’s leadership.
In this context, Mali’s representation appears uncertain as its football federation grapples with a leadership crisis and questions surrounding transparency and accountability.
As Touré’s presidency continues amidst these challenges, the future of Malian football remains clouded, with his leadership polarizing stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
