FIFA has responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding Rigobert Song’s appointment as head coach of the Central African Republic national team, warning against government interference in football matters.
Song was reappointed as manager earlier this week after officially signing a contract, but his appointment has sparked a dispute between the country’s Ministry of Sports and the Central African Football Federation (FCF).
The federation, which had selected local coach Eloge Enza-Yamissi for the role, has so far refused to recognize Song’s appointment.
With the national team set to face Madagascar and Mali on March 19 and 24 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, uncertainty looms over who will be in charge of the Fauves du Bas-Oubangui.
Federation stands firm against government decision
The Ministry of Sports has proposed integrating Enza-Yamissi into Song’s coaching staff as an assistant in an attempt to resolve the standoff.
However, the FCF remains adamant, refusing to acknowledge Song as the legitimate head coach.
According to Sport News Africa, FCF President Célestin Yanindji met with Minister of Sports Héritier Doneng on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
However, the federation chief refused to back down, reinforcing the divide between football authorities and the government.
FIFA issues a warning
FIFA, which was alerted to the situation by the FCF, has made its stance clear.
The governing body reiterated that the FCF must remain independent and warned that any continued political interference could result in serious consequences.
🚨🇨🇫Suite à la nomination de Song comme sélectionneur, décidée unilatéralement par le ministre des Sports, la Fédération centrafricaine de football a averti la FIFA qui a immédiatement répondu en avertissant que toute ingérence pourrait entraîner une suspension… pic.twitter.com/0J27JZH2Bh
— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) March 5, 2025
FIFA’s regulations strictly prohibit government involvement in football administration, and nations that fail to comply risk suspension from all international football activities.
The Central African Republic now faces a scenario similar to that of Congo, which was sanctioned for similar violations.
As the standoff intensifies, Song’s future as head coach remains uncertain.
If the dispute is not resolved soon, the Fauves du Bas-Oubangui could find themselves without a recognized coaching staff—or worse, facing FIFA-imposed sanctions that could derail their World Cup qualification campaign.
Amos Tumba
March 5, 2025Great our football shouldn’t be interfered by government for sure but also FIFA and their Federations should recognise that Government s spend tax payers money to fund football and hence need their voice to be heard loudly as some one Federation take it for granted and make decisions irresponsibly.