Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
In a communiqué made public today, the National President of the Cameroonian Association of Football Referees (ACAF) Alioum Sidi has officially informed referees and assistant referees across all categories of national football that their long-announced strike action is now in effect, beginning Monday, April 21, 2025. According to the release, the referees from the Elite One and Two professional leagues, the Women’s First Division Championship, regional and departmental leagues, as well as Futsal, Beach Soccer, and referee inspectors have been called to suspend their participation from every organised competition by the Fecafoot.
Recall that few days ago, Lebledparle.com reported on referees expressing their concerns over several seasons of unpaid salaries, with arrears amounting to 300 million FCFA. They had warned that if no concrete action was taken before April 21, 2025, they would withdraw from all FECAFOOT organised competitions. True to their word, ACAF issued an official communiqué today, confirming the execution of the strike and reiterating their commitment to the cause. In the statement, the ACAF President called on all match officials to remain vigilant, focused, and firm, urging them not to yield to pressure, manipulation, intimidation, or blackmail from any external parties.
This development throws national football competitions into uncertainty, raising concerns over whether the leagues can continue as scheduled without match officials, and also why the federation hasn’t addressed the issue.
