Authorities in the Republic of the Congo sought an international arrest step after the president of the national football federation was convicted in absentia over the embezzlement of FIFA Covid-19 relief funds, The Guardian reported.
The case concerned about US$1.1 million, including funds intended for football programmes. Court findings reportedly covered embezzlement, money laundering, forgery and use of false documents. Other federation officials also received sentences.
The leading defendant has denied wrongdoing and described the matter as a conspiracy. That denial should be read alongside the court’s conviction, the in-absentia procedure and any future appeal or enforcement process.