APA – Bamako (Mali) – The president of the Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT), Mamoutou Toure “Bavieux”, was re-elected by the federation’s general assembly held in Bamako on Tuesday 29 August under the chairmanship of CAF and FIFA representatives.
The only candidate in the running after the exclusion of all his challengers was re-elected by 61 votes to 1 with 1 abstention.
In a speech read by one of his representatives after his coronation, Mamoutou Toure promised that “the new Executive Committee will spare no effort to deserve this trust.” While declaring that he forgave his critics, he added that he was holding out his hand to them so that together they could meet “the challenges facing our football.”
Mamoutou Toure has been under a committal order since 9 August as part of an investigation into his management during his time as Director of Administration and Finance at the National Assembly. In addition to Mr Toure, the four other people detained in this case are the former President of the National Assembly, former Secretary General Modibo Sidibe, former financial controller Anfa Kalifa and former accountant Demba Traore. They were arrested as part of an investigation into crimes against public property, forgery and use of forgeries, and complicity. According to well-informed sources, they are accused of embezzling 17 billion CFA francs.
In addition to being President of FEMAFOOT, Bavieux is also a member of the Council of the Fédération Internationale de Football (FIFA) following his election by acclamation at the 43rd Ordinary and Elective General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held on Friday 12 March in Rabat, Morocco.
MD/ac/fss/abj/APA