Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
After the exit of Bamboutos Fc of Mbouda from the Elite One championship related to money issues, another issue has come and this time around from football referees. In a letter addressed to Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o, the Cameroon Association of Football Referees expressed outrage over unpaid dues totalling nearly 300 million CFA francs. This outstanding amount reportedly covers four consecutive seasons—2021–2022, 2022–2023, 2023–2024, and the ongoing 2024–2025 season.
As a result of this unpaid dues the referees have set a firm deadline of April 21, 2025. They insist that if payments are not made by the set date, they will withdraw from Fecafoot organized competition which includes Elite One and Two championships as well as the Women’s First Division. “Our return to officiating will depend entirely on the settlement of this significant debt,” states the letter signed by the association’s national president.
Despite reaffirming their commitment to the growth of Cameroonian football, the referees made their stance on the matter clear: no payment, no games. However, they confirm they are open to dialogue with sports authorities in a other to reach a resolution before the deadline.
This warning comes at a time of heightened tension within Fecafoot, which has been mired in multiple resignation of executives, financial delays, and internal power struggles in recent months. Samuel Eto’o, the legendary footballer who took over of Fecafoot in 2021 with promises to reform and beautify the nation’s football structure, now faces critical challenges. With this recent crisis in his office which they are yet to address will he be able to calm this storm and sort out the issues?
With the knowledge that this year is an election year at the Fecafoot how does this crisis speak well of his reign? All eyes are on the president and his team to witness their problem solving game.
