The Cameroonian football scene continues to be plagued by crises, with the latest centered around its national championship. The opening of the new Elite One season, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, is now in jeopardy due to a veto from the National Union of Cameroonian Footballers (SYNAFOC), led by Geremi Njitap.
In a statement released on Thursday via its social media channels, SYNAFOC declared that the vast majority of participating clubs fail to meet the necessary criteria for competition. Of the 16 registered teams, only three—Stade Renard, Coton Sport de Garoua, and Fauve Azur—are reportedly compliant. Neither Aigle du Moungo, the promoted team set for the opening match, nor reigning champions Victoria United meet the required standards.
This revelation casts a shadow over the championship’s credibility and highlights persistent structural issues within Cameroonian football.
Chaotic Club Management Plagues Cameroonian Football
The union, headed by former Cameroonian international Geremi Njitap, has raised serious concerns about delayed salary payments, financial instability, and non-compliance with licensing regulations among clubs. The situation is equally alarming in Elite Two (the second division), where only three out of 17 clubs reportedly meet the required standards.
In a scathing statement, SYNAFOC accuses FECAFOOT of failing to enforce its own regulations as well as those of CAF, further exacerbating the chaos. The union’s critique underscores deep-seated governance issues, casting doubt over the management of football in Cameroon at both the domestic and international levels.
Geremi vs. Eto’o: From Assists to Clashes
The once-legendary duo of Geremi Njitap and Samuel Eto’o, who dazzled as teammates for the Indomitable Lions, is now embroiled in a bitter feud. The National Union of Cameroonian Footballers (SYNAFOC), led by Geremi, has repeatedly clashed with the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and its president, Samuel Eto’o.
In August, FIFA fined FECAFOOT 6 million FCFA (about €2,600) after SYNAFOC lodged a complaint about unpaid salaries. Another fine followed just last week. In retaliation, Eto’o removed SYNAFOC from the Federation’s executive committee. This escalating dispute marks a sharp contrast to their glory days when Geremi’s precision passes helped Eto’o lead Cameroon to two Africa Cup of Nations titles and two World Cup appearances.
Geremi remains steadfast in his advocacy for better conditions for local players. His “Salary Barometer” initiative, designed to ensure regular player payments, has received backing from FIFPro, but its implementation has fueled further disagreements.
The Future of Cameroonian Football
After facing resistance from the Ministry of Sports, Samuel Eto’o now confronts a new challenge from SYNAFOC. However, this conflict highlights deeper structural flaws in Cameroonian football that predate Eto’o’s presidency. If unresolved, this crisis could tarnish the league’s reputation and hinder the growth of local talent.
The critical question is whether FECAFOOT will take concrete steps to address SYNAFOC’s demands and align with FIFA and CAF regulations. Swift action is essential to restore stability and credibility to Cameroonian football.
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