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FIFA Monitoring DR Congo FA Boss Detention

By BBC
Sports News FIFA Monitoring DR Congo FA Boss Detention
APR 19, 2018 LISTEN

Fifa says it is monitoring the situation in DR Congo after the detention of the football association's president Constant Omari.

Omari is also on the Fifa Council and a vice-president with the Confederation of African Football.

"Fifa is closely following the matter and gathering additional information but has no further statement to make at this stage," Fifa said in a statement.

"More information could be released as the situation unfolds."

Omari was questioned along with sports ministry secretary-general Barthelemy Okito and two football association vice-presidents, Roger Bondembe and Theobad Binamungu.

A magistrate explained the four were "currently being heard" over the use of public funds in the organisation of matches in African competitions involving national sides as well as clubs.

The lawyer for the four men, Alain Makengo, told AFP they were being questioned over the embezzlement of US $1m (800,000 euros) earmarked for four matches.

The organisers of the league in DR Congo, Linafoot, have suspended all activities until further notice "in solidarity" with all those who have been detained.

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