The conflict between certain players in Cameroonian football, led by former international goalkeeper Joseph Antoine Bell, and FIFA has escalated. The Minister of Sports and Physical Education in Cameroon, Adoum Garoua, suspended the electoral process in the country’s football bodies and decentralized leagues. FIFA responded with a fax, demanding the minister to reverse the decision by April 9, as it views the move as government interference in football affairs.
FIFA’s intervention triggered a response from the Citizen Committee for the Recovery of Cameroonian Football, led by Joseph Antoine Bell. The committee expressed readiness to challenge FIFA’s stance, arguing that the ministry plays a crucial role in regulating sports practices within federations. Bell emphasized that no one can be affiliated with FIFA without prior approval from their ministry, and FIFA should not dictate how Cameroon proceeds with its electoral process.
The conflict revolves around the suspension of electoral operations in the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot) and decentralized leagues by the Minister of Sports, a decision FIFA deems as interference in football matters. The situation remains tense, with both sides expressing firm positions on the matter.
