The Togolese Football Federation has imposed lengthy bans on two senior football figures following an investigation into alleged match-fixing during the closing stages of the 2025-26 D1 Lonato season.
The federation’s disciplinary commission sanctioned FC Espoir president Kokou Toulassi and AS Binah head coach Théophile Bola after concluding that they had been involved in attempts to manipulate the outcome of matches in a relegation battle.
The investigation, which lasted several months, was launched after audio recordings allegedly emerged suggesting efforts to influence key fixtures towards the end of the domestic campaign. The case has since become one of the most significant integrity investigations in recent Togolese football.
Toulassi received the heaviest punishment, with the federation banning him from all football-related activities for six years. He was also fined 500,000 CFA francs (approximately 900 US dollars) after being found guilty of involvement in attempted manipulation of match results.
Bola was handed a five-and-a-half-year suspension and fined the same amount. In addition to his alleged role in the case, the AS Binah coach was found guilty of conduct considered damaging to the image of the Togolese Football Federation.
According to the disciplinary panel, the investigation centred on leaked audio recordings that circulated within football circles and allegedly contained discussions about influencing matches that carried significant implications in the battle to avoid relegation.
Following its review, the commission determined that the available evidence was sufficient to establish wrongdoing by the two officials. However, it stopped short of concluding that the alleged plan had been successfully carried out during the matches themselves.
As a result, the federation decided not to alter the results of any of the fixtures under scrutiny, stating that there was no conclusive evidence proving the integrity of the matches had ultimately been compromised on the field of play.
The decision means the outcome of the 2025-26 D1 Lonato season will remain unchanged despite the disciplinary measures imposed on the two officials.
The case has nevertheless intensified concerns over governance and sporting integrity within Togolese football. It has also prompted renewed calls from stakeholders for stronger monitoring systems and safeguards to help prevent similar incidents in future competitions.
By issuing lengthy suspensions while preserving the match results, the federation has sought to balance disciplinary action against individuals with the absence of definitive proof that the alleged manipulation affected the final outcomes of the games.
