Congolese FA President Sentenced to Life for Embezzlement as Champions League Last-16 Begins
Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas received a life sentence for corruption while European football's elite prepare for Champions League knockout fixtures. England defender Kyle Walker retired from international duty.
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The president of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of embezzlement, according to Complete Sports citing ghanasoccernet. A court delivered the ruling Tuesday following months of investigation into alleged financial misconduct within Congo's football administration.
The case represents one of the harshest penalties handed down to a football administrator in Africa. Details of the specific charges and amounts embezzled were not immediately disclosed in court documents.
In European competition, Paris Saint-Germain host Chelsea at Parc des Princes Wednesday in the Champions League last-16 first leg. The sides last met in July's Club World Cup final, which Chelsea won 3-0, according to Channels Television. PSG manager Luis Enrique expressed confidence his team can elevate their performance for the knockout stage.
Arsenal travel to Germany to face Bayer Leverkusen at BayArena in another first-leg fixture. The return matches are scheduled for next week at the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge respectively.
Real Madrid will face Manchester City at Santiago Bernabéu without Kylian Mbappé, who failed to recover from a knee injury in time for the clash. Naija News reported the 25-year-old French striker returned to light training but is not yet ready for competitive action. Teammate Rodrygo underwent knee surgery, further depleting Madrid's attacking options.
England defender Kyle Walker announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect. "Sad but proud," the experienced defender said, according to BBC Sport. Walker's decision comes ahead of England's upcoming fixtures.
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka switched international allegiance from England to Austria before the World Cup. FIFA updated the 22-year-old's status Monday, making him eligible for Austria's March friendlies against Ghana and South Korea, Channels Television reported.
Barcelona received permission to expand Camp Nou capacity to 63,000 spectators. Work continues on the third level of the stadium, which will bring capacity to 105,000 when the €1.5 billion project completes in summer 2027, according to Channels Television.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid tribute to former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde following his death Monday. "He will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, passion for football," Tinubu said in a statement issued by his special adviser Bayo Onanuga, Complete Sports reported.