As the Synafoc, led by Gérémi Njitap, works tirelessly for FIFA’s intervention in the current affairs of Cameroonian football, significant news has emerged. Far from targeting FECAFOOT, it’s a local club that has been severely hit due to a dispute with Ivorian player Drissa Diarrassouba.
Cameroonian football is closely monitored by African and international football authorities. Immersed in a wave of dark controversies involving the Cameroonian Football Federation, the Ministry of Sports, football in the 237 area code is under scrutiny. In recent days, the Cameroonian Footballers’ Union, under Gérémi Njitap’s leadership, has filed several appeals to FIFA for its intervention in various ongoing issues. While awaiting responses, especially concerning Samuel Eto’o, FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino, has made a decision on a recent case it received.
FIFA’s Sanction on Eding Sport
Indeed, in the standoff between Eding Sport of Lekié and their Ivorian player, Drissa Diarrassouba (former U-17 international), over unpaid wages, FIFA has acted. According to reports, the global football governing body, which has adjudicated numerous disputes between clubs and players, has suspended Eding Sport, based in Yaoundé, from recruiting players domestically and internationally.
Despite attempts at reconciliation between the two parties, which failed as the Lekié-based club failed to fulfill its obligations, FIFA has resorted to strong measures. With this outright suspension, the leadership of this Elite Two club, founded in 2012, must move swiftly to settle all outstanding wages owed to the 29-year-old Ivorian player, who was trained at Stoke City between 2011 and 2013. It’s worth noting that Drissa Diarrassouba, who has played for clubs in Armenia, Iran, and Oman, signed with Eding Sport in January 2023.
Other Burning Issues from Cameroon at FIFA
🔴 INFO CFOOT : La FIFA sanctionne Eding Sport de la Lekié.
— CFOOT (@cfootcameroun) April 15, 2024
Le club de la Lekié est interdit de tout recrutement tant sur le plan national qu'international par la FIFA en raison du non payement de salaire du joueur de nationalité ivoirienne Drissa Diarrassouba. #CFOOT🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/aA2yi2e2IJ
The sanction by FIFA is not without significance. For several months, complaints regarding the mismanagement of football in Cameroon have been rife. In the coming days and weeks, the verdict of Infantino’s body on cases of mismanagement at FECAFOOT brought forth by a former associate of Samuel Eto’o last year will be awaited. Additionally, FIFA is closely monitoring the standoff between the Cameroonian Football Federation and the Ministry of Sports regarding the new head coach of the Indomitable Lions.
Since April 2nd, the focus in the 237 area has been on the national team, now under Marc Brys’ leadership. Appointed by the government, the Belgian technician has not yet been accepted by Samuel Eto’o’s institution, which was not consulted before the official announcement. Moreover, several members of the technical staff have yet to sign their contracts. It remains to be seen how things will unfold in the coming weeks in this matter, which could prompt FIFA’s intervention.
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