DR Congo FA president gets life jail over corruption scandal

The President of the Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA), Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo found him guilty of multiple financial crimes following a sweeping corruption investigation.

The conviction came after an eight-month probe into alleged financial misconduct within the country’s football governing body. Investigators uncovered evidence linking the federation chief to a series of offences, including money laundering, embezzlement, forgery, and the use of falsified documents.

The court delivered the life sentence in Mayolas’ absence, underscoring the gravity of the charges and the scale of the financial irregularities uncovered during the investigation.

Two other senior officials of the federation were also convicted in connection with the scandal. FECOFA Secretary-General, Badji Mombo Wantete, and the federation’s Treasurer, Raoul Kanda, were each sentenced to five years in prison for their roles in the misconduct.

Authorities described the ruling as a decisive step in the campaign to restore transparency and accountability in the administration of football in the Central African nation.

Government officials and sports administrators say the prosecution of top football officials sends a strong message that corruption in sports institutions will no longer be tolerated, regardless of status or position.

The verdict has triggered widespread reactions across the country’s football community.

Supporters, players, and stakeholders have called for deeper reforms within the federation to ensure that funds intended for the development of the game are properly managed.

Analysts say the case highlights the persistent governance challenges facing sports bodies across Africa and reinforces growing demands for stricter oversight and financial discipline in football administration.

Nigerian Midfielder Daniel Daga Jailed in Norway for Sexual Assault

Nigerian footballer Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent. The ruling was handed down by the Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court on March 10, 2026, and also requires Daga to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal costs.

The 19‑year‑old Molde FK midfielder was charged under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code following an incident reported to police in late April 2025. Prosecutors requested a six-month custodial sentence, which the court upheld after reviewing the evidence presented during the trial.

Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, told the media that the player maintains his innocence and insists that the encounter was consensual. She added that the ruling is not yet legally binding and that Daga intends to appeal the verdict. Bolstad also emphasized that Daga should be treated like anyone else until the legal process is complete.

READ ALSO:

• Quack Doctor Sentenced to Death for Murder in Ekiti
• Galatasaray Beat Liverpool 1–0 in Champions League Last‑16 First Leg
• Omisore Sues APC Over Osun Governorship Primary Disqualification

In response to the court ruling, Molde FK confirmed that Daga will not feature in the club’s matchday squad until further notice. The club described the situation as “very demanding” and stressed its responsibility to handle the matter carefully while respecting the seriousness of the case. The club had previously withdrawn Daga from training and matches in December 2025 after the charge was filed.

Daga joined Molde FK ahead of the 2025 season from FC One Rocket and made 17 appearances, scoring three goals before the legal proceedings sidelined him. At the international level, he has represented Nigeria’s U‑20 national team, participating in the 2023 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, where he was the youngest player in the squad.

The case highlights Norway’s strict approach to sexual assault laws and raises questions about Daga’s future in professional football. The appeal process will determine whether he can challenge the conviction and potentially resume his career.

Nigerian Midfielder Daniel Daga Jailed in Norway for Sexual Assault

Galatasaray Beat Liverpool 1–0 in Champions League Last‑16 First Leg

Galatasaray secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at Rams Park Stadium, Istanbul, giving the Turkish side a slim advantage ahead of the return fixture at Anfield on March 18. The result came during Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge of Liverpool and highlighted persistent defensive issues for the Premier League side.

The decisive goal came in the seventh minute when midfielder Mario Lemina headed home from close range. The goal followed a well-executed corner routine, with Victor Osimhen flicking the ball back across the goal for Lemina to convert past Giorgi Mamardashvili, deputising for the injured first-choice keeper Alisson Becker. This marked Lemina’s first goal of the season, and a historic moment recalling his winning strike for Fulham against Liverpool five years ago.

READ ALSO:

• Omisore Sues APC Over Osun Governorship Primary Disqualification
• Tinubu Orders Nationwide CNG Initiative to Curb Transport Expenses
• Middle East Conflict: FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran

Liverpool’s attempts to respond were hindered by both VAR decisions and Galatasaray’s resilience. Osimhen’s potential second goal was ruled out due to an offside in the buildup, and a late strike from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner was disallowed after video review confirmed the ball struck Ibrahima Konaté’s arm, leaving the Reds unable to equalize.

Throughout a tense and frenzied match, Liverpool created several opportunities. Florian Wirtz narrowly missed a chance following a defensive lapse by Galatasaray’s Uğurcan Çakır, while Konaté and Van Dijk saw shots blocked or saved. Mamardashvili made crucial saves, including denying Davinson Sánchez and Hugo Ekitike, ensuring Galatasaray retained their slender lead.

The win mirrors Galatasaray’s earlier 1–0 group stage victory over Liverpool and underscores the challenge Slot’s side faces in overturning the deficit at Anfield. Analysts note that Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on set pieces, remain a major concern as the Champions League knockout stage progresses.

The narrow result sets up an intense second leg, where Liverpool will need to overcome the deficit to advance, while Galatasaray aims to defend their advantage and continue their strong European campaign.

Galatasaray Beat Liverpool 1–0 in Champions League Last‑16 First Leg