Mamoutou Toure, a former member of the FIFA Council and long-time president of the Malian Football Federation, has been released from prison after spending nearly two years in detention over corruption allegations, according to reports from Malian media.
Toure, 67, walked free on Tuesday following 622 days behind bars. He had been held since August 2023 after being accused of embezzling $28 million in public funds during his tenure as the financial and administrative director of Mali’s National Assembly between 2013 and 2019. A provisional release order was granted by the Malian courts.
Throughout the investigation and his incarceration, Toure consistently denied any wrongdoing. Despite his detention, he was re-elected in August last year for a second term as president of the Malian Football Federation, a position he has held since 2019. His supporters have maintained that the charges were politically motivated and part of a conspiracy led by rivals seeking to undermine his influence.
While in prison, Toure received notable international backing, including a letter of support from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Nonetheless, he lost his seat on the powerful FIFA Council last month after failing to contest the latest elections. His term on the Council had lasted four years. He also no longer holds a position on the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee.
Toure’s release marks a new chapter in his controversial and closely watched career in both Malian politics and international football governance.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
