Fifa is monitoring the detention of DR Congo FA boss Constant Omari

  • Published
Constant OmariImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Constant Omari is president of the DR Congo Football Association and a member of the Fifa Council

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

He was detained on Tuesday as part of a probe into embezzlement.

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 federation 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.

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.