Malian police have arrested a self-styled marabout after he allegedly collected more than €33,500 from football supporters by promising that Mali would win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The arrest came shortly after Mali’s quarter-final elimination by Senegal, a result that directly contradicted the spiritual assurances the man had made publicly during the tournament.
While presenting himself as a figure capable of influencing football outcomes, he encouraged supporters to contribute financially so he could perform rituals he claimed would secure victory.
As Mali progress, belief in the prophecy grew. Consequently, donations increased, with investigators estimating that more than 22 million CFA francs were transferred to the suspect through online campaigns and private collections.
That confidence, however, dissolved immediately after the final whistle against Senegal. Following the defeat, disillusioned supporters gathered outside the marabout’s residence in Bamako, accusing him of deception and demanding refunds. To prevent escalation, police intervened and placed the man in custody.
Subsequently, authorities confirmed that he was being investigated for fraud and online deception, with the case referred to Mali’s cybercrime unit. A senior security official told Agence France-Presse that charlatanism is punishable under Malian law, particularly when financial exploitation is involved.
At the same time, investigators established that the suspect had no recognised religious credentials. Previously, he had been known as a political activist before rebranding himself as a marabout during the AFCON build-up, a transformation that coincided with his growing online influence.
Beyond the individual case, the incident has sparked a broader national conversation about belief, football and digital manipulation. AFCON holds exceptional emotional weight in Mali, serving as a unifying symbol of hope and pride. Against this backdrop, extraordinary claims can gain traction and evade scrutiny.
Ultimately, what began as a promise of sporting destiny has ended as a criminal investigation. While Mali’s focus shifts to future competitions, the episode stands as a cautionary tale of how faith, football and social media can intersect and unravel far from the pitch.
