The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation (FECOFA) was on Wednesday arrested and taken into custody in an ongoing investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds.
Constant Omari’s detention was confirmed by an investigating magistrate.
Omari, who is also on the FIFA Council and a vice president with the Confederation of African Football, is being held along with sports ministry secretary general Barthelemy Okito and two Fecofa vice presidents, Roger Bondembe and Theobad Binamungu.
According to the magistrate, the four were “currently being heard” over the use of public funds in the organization of matches in African competitions involving national sides as well as clubs.
A lawyer representing the four told AFP they were being questioned over the embezzlement of US$ 1million set aside for four matches.
Supporters of Omari however say the action is politically motivated as he has ties with the country’s opposition.
A ban has been imposed on the four against them travelling out of the country.
