The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Federation, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of major corruption offences linked to football administration in the country.

The ruling followed an eight-month investigation into financial misconduct inside the federation, widely known as FECOFA.

Investigators accused Mayolas of abusing his position to divert funds meant for the development of football in the country.

The court concluded that the football chief engaged in money laundering, embezzlement, forgery and the use of falsified documents.

Judges delivered the verdict in his absence, highlighting the seriousness of the crimes.

Two other senior federation officials were also convicted.

FECOFA Secretary-General Badji Mombo Wantete and the federation’s treasurer Raoul Kanda were each handed five-year prison sentences.

The pair were found guilty of participating in the financial irregularities uncovered during the investigation.

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo say the convictions send a strong message against corruption in football management.

Officials insist the move is aimed at restoring transparency and rebuilding public trust in the country’s sporting ins

titutions.