FOOTBALL: FIFA THREATENS THE CENTRAL AFRICAN FEDERATION
The Central African Republic (CAR) is facing potential sanctions from FIFA due to unpaid salary issues involving French coach Jules Accorsi. The Central African Football Federation (FCF) has been given a deadline by FIFA to address the matter, and failure to do so could lead to sanctions, including the exclusion of national football teams from competitions.
Jules Accorsi resigned from his position as the coach of the Fauves de Bas-oubangui due to unpaid salaries dating back to October 2011. FIFA’s correspondence to the FCF, dated August 6, requested a response by that date. In the absence of a response, FIFA warned that the case would be submitted to the Player Status Committee for consideration and a formal decision based on the documents in the file.
The government of the Central African Republic has initiated negotiations with FIFA to resolve the issue. If these negotiations prove unsuccessful, the FCF risks exclusion of its national football teams from participating in various competitions. This situation is particularly significant as the Central African Republic is currently experiencing a resurgence in football, with the senior national team achieving notable victories.
Jules Accorsi’s lawyers, Redouane Mahra and Tatiana Vassine, are not only focused on the unpaid salary issue but also intend to address other aspects related to the termination of Accorsi’s contract at the sole fault of the FCF. In addition to the salary arrears, Accorsi is demanding a total of 159,600 euros or 104,530,000 CFA francs. The lawyers emphasize that beyond the financial aspects, the termination deprives Accorsi of the sporting recognition he deserves, affecting his visibility and legitimacy among potential future employers such as clubs and federations.
As of now, the FCF has not officially commented on its response to FIFA regarding the unpaid salary issue. The outcome of the negotiations and any subsequent actions will have implications for the Central African Republic’s participation in continental football events, including the CAN 2013.
