January 20 – As the delayed African Nations Championship (CHAN) continues in Cameroon following its eagerly awaited kick-off last weekend, complete with trademark fanfare, off the field there is anything but unity in the bosom of the national federation (Fecafoot) which has been riven with political division.
So much so that FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who attended the opening game when the hosts beat Zimbabwe in front of a socially distanced crowd in Yaounde, has called on Fecafoot officials to respect a decision from the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) annulling elections held in 2018.
Earlier this week, CAS ruled the ballot, which saw Seidou Mbombo Njoya voted in as Fecafoot president, invalid after several amateur clubs challenged the election procedure which they said was flawed.
The judgement means Njoya has been stripped of his power but to add to the confusion CAS declined to reinstate the Fecafoot executive elected in 2009, instead recommending that the current board prepares for new elections.
The set-up will be headed by secretary general Benjamin Banlock, whose title will change to interim secretary general, with Njoya having to step away from the process.
“CAS took a decision to cancel the elections at the same time the current leadership has to make the necessary arrangements to organize new elections,” Infantino told Cameroon Radio Television.
“It’s important now that everyone stays calm and that we give the federation the time to make the necessary amendments.
“FIFA will be involved in following this process closely to ensure that new elections take place and that there is a new governance structure to run the football federation in Cameroon.
“An important country like Cameroon should be an example not only to Africa but to the world because when it comes to football, Cameroon is a world power.”
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