Mayolas, Badji and Kanda face scrutiny over suspected misuse of FIFA funds as ethics proceedings begin

The investigatory chamber of FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee has opened formal proceedings against three senior officials of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) over alleged financial misconduct.

The investigation centres on the suspected misuse of FIFA-allocated funds by FECOFOOT President Jean Guy Mayolas, General Secretary Wantete Badji, and Finance Director Raoul Kanda.

FIFA disclosed this in a statement published on its official website, noting that the proceedings followed a review of information and documentation gathered through a FIFA-initiated process.

According to the statement, the material reviewed indicates potential financial irregularities and inconsistencies in the use of FIFA funds. The investigatory chamber said it found a prima facie basis to open proceedings for possible breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

“The investigatory chamber has determined that there is a prima facie basis to open proceedings for potential breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics,” the statement read.

It added that the alleged conduct may violate several provisions, including Article 29 (misappropriation and misuse of funds), Article 25 (forgery and falsification), Article 20 (conflicts of interest), and Article 21 (offering and accepting gifts and other benefits). FIFA noted that the list of potential violations could be expanded as the investigation progresses.

The global football governing body reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of its funds across member associations.

The development comes after a criminal court in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, reportedly convicted Mayolas, along with his wife and son, in absentia for embezzling approximately $1.1 million in FIFA funds.