The Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), under the leadership of Samuel Eto’o, has issued a firm denial after being accused of inciting unrest by allegedly attempting to bribe motorcycle taxi riders in Mbouda.
The fresh controversy erupted shortly after Bamboutos FC, a top-flight club in Cameroon’s Elite One division, announced its withdrawal from the league.
The club cited, among other reasons, the failure to receive expected state bonuses and financial support from Fecafoot.
In an official letter dated Friday, April 18, Dechateau Kamdoum, the deputy president of Bamboutos FC, alleged that Fecafoot had taken steps to escalate tensions instead of working toward a peaceful resolution.
The letter claimed that instead of pursuing meaningful dialogue, the football body had chosen a provocative route by attempting to use local motorcycle taxi operators to sow disorder.
“Unfortunately, rather than favouring honest and constructive discussions to resolve the impasse, Fecafoot resorted to exploiting the crisis,” Kamdoum stated.
“We have received credible information that one of its representatives offered local motorcycle taxi riders the sum of eight million CFA francs—approximately $13,200—in an effort to stir public disorder.”
The accusation, seen as both unexpected and explosive, drew immediate attention across the Cameroonian footballing community and beyond.
Fecafoot, however, responded swiftly with a public statement released in the early hours of Saturday.
In it, the federation categorically denied any involvement in the alleged bribery and rejected all claims of negotiation with Bamboutos FC.
“Fecafoot strongly condemns this latest vile, slanderous, and defamatory accusation, which appears intended to damage the reputation of its members and staff,” the statement read.
🔴 Bamboutos FC de Mbouda annonce que les négociations et pourparlers engagés avec la FECAFOOT se sont soldés par un échec et réaffirme donc sa décision de se retirer du championnat. ❌🇨🇲
Le club dénonce également une instrumentalisation de la crise par l’instance faîtière
« Au… pic.twitter.com/WldCEgHr1s— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) April 18, 2025
In addition to denying the bribery charge, the federation used the opportunity to address the underlying financial dispute.
While Bamboutos FC had cited a lack of financial support as one of the reasons for its withdrawal from the league, Fecafoot indicated that subsidies were withheld due to procedural shortcomings.
According to the body, the club had failed to provide the necessary documentation confirming payment of player salaries—an essential condition for receiving federation funds.
The ongoing tension between Bamboutos FC and Fecafoot now appears to be deepening, with both parties standing firm in their positions.
The allegations involving a bribery attempt not only add a new dimension to the dispute but also threaten to further tarnish the image of Cameroonian football at a time when stability is crucial for the sport’s development in the country.
While the truth behind the motorcycle taxi claims remains to be seen, the episode underscores the fractious relationship between certain domestic clubs and the football federation.
With the Elite One season disrupted and public attention now focused on governance and transparency issues, the dispute could prompt broader scrutiny of football administration in Cameroon.
For now, the standoff continues, with both sides digging in and little sign of reconciliation on the horizon.
🔴🔴 #URGENT#COMMUNIQUE#PRESSRELEASE pic.twitter.com/xWxBR1M6zW
— Fecafoot-Officiel (@FecafootOfficie) April 18, 2025
