Cameroon’s football authorities have suspended a team of referees and opened multiple investigations after allegations of corruption cast a shadow over the opening round of the Elite One championship.
The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed the provisional suspension of the refereeing team and the referee inspector involved in the Elite One match between Victoria United and PWD Bamenda, played on 25 January in Limbe.
The decision follows concerns over officiating decisions described by the federation as “manifestly questionable” and suspected of having influenced the outcome of the game.
In a statement, FECAFOOT said the officials concerned would remain suspended while disciplinary proceedings are conducted.
The governing body indicated that the measures were taken in response to suspicions of corruption raised after the match, with the actions of the referees and the inspector now subject to formal examination.
The federation also announced the opening of a separate administrative inquiry into another fixture from the same round, the meeting between Dynamo Douala and AS Fortuna.
According to FECAFOOT, this investigation has been launched because of “serious suspicions of match-fixing”.
The relevant committee has been instructed to carry out a full review of the circumstances surrounding the game and to propose sanctions if breaches of regulations are confirmed.
Both matches, which formed part of the first day of the MTN Elite One season, have become focal points of controversy.
Allegations of irregularities have revived long-standing concerns about integrity within Cameroonian domestic football and the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to protect fair competition.
FECAFOOT has faced repeated criticism in recent years over transparency and the perceived lack of firmness in dealing with corruption-related cases.
The latest announcements suggest a determination by the federation to respond more decisively when suspicions arise, particularly at the start of a new season.
Under the leadership of its president, Samuel Eto’o, FECAFOOT has pledged to restore credibility to the national game.
The suspensions and inquiries are being presented as part of broader efforts to address malpractice and reinforce confidence in refereeing and competition management.
While the investigations are ongoing, no conclusions have yet been drawn and no individuals have been found guilty of wrongdoing.
FECAFOOT has stressed that disciplinary decisions will be taken only after the relevant procedures have been completed, in line with existing rules.
For now, the controversies have placed the spotlight firmly on the federation’s handling of integrity issues, with the outcomes of the investigations expected to shape perceptions of Cameroonian football in the weeks ahead.
