Gabon U17 youth coach Assoumou Eyi accused of sexually abusing players
December 17 – Another appalling case of alleged football-related sexual abuse has been exposed, this time in an Africa’s Gabon.
Africa
Somali FA chief Abdiqani exits amid corruption allegations
December 15 – The head of Somalia’s FA Abdiqani Said Arab (pictured) has been kicked out of office over allegations of corruption in the latest scandal to hit African football.
Eto’o wins Cameroon FA election and immediately promises players more money
December 13 – Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o has been elected the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) for a four-year term, defeating the incumbent Seidou Mbombo Njoya.
Coronavirus: With a month to go, CAF says AFCON is staying in Cameroon
December 8 – The Confederation of African Football has dismissed rumours that next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be moved away from Cameroon following the recent discovery of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.
South Africa vow to fight decision after FIFA say no to replaying Ghana fixture
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – South African officials insist they will not give up the fight after FIFA dismissed their request to have a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ghana replayed because of alleged match-fixing by the officials.
CAF sparks row with World Leagues after boosting player call-ups for Cameroon 2022
December 1 – The World Leagues Forum, representing professional leagues from across the world, has written to FIFA and African football’s hierarchy denouncing what it claims is a unilateral decision, with no consultation, over the release of players for the upcoming African Nations Cup in Cameroon in January and February.
FIFA tightens grip on Africa with normalisation committees in Chad and Guinea
November 30 – FIFA has appointed normalisation committees in Chad and Guinea, the latest two African countries unable to run their own footballing affairs. The FIFA-appointed officials will oversee elections in both national associations.
Infantino gets backing of African pals for game-changing biennial world cup plan
By Andrew Warshaw
November 29 – Bruised by the generally lukewarm response to his case for the World Cup to be held every two years, Gianni Infantino now claims opponents of the idea are scared of change.
Motsepe ‘excited’ by Super League plan, and endorses Cameroon’s AFCON hosting
By Samindra Kunti
November 26 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its president Patrice Motsepe, at the confederation’s congress today, have further endorsed the creation of a continental Super League, but provided little detail on the competition. Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to Cameroon hosting the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Kenyan prosecutors drop case against FA boss Mwendwa
November 26 – In response to threats of a ban by FIFA, Kenyan authorities have dropped their legal case against the president of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Nick Mwendwa (pictured).
Liverpool and France tap in to the power of African playing talent, finds report
November 25 – Africa has for some time been a provider of playing talent to clubs outside the continent. With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off in Cameroon in January next year, a report by the KPMG Football Benchmark team examines how significant their contribution has been.
Cameroon ready for AFCON 2022 as anticipation builds for African showpiece
November 22 – Despite the usual pre-tournament noise, all systems are go for Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations. It has been a tournament that has been wobbling on the brink.
Cameroonian club boss slams FIFA and Infantino for ignoring CAS rulings and preventing football development
By Paul Nicholson
November 19 – FIFA has again come under attack for its political maneuvering in Africa, this time from a leading club president in Cameroon who has criticised the world governing body and its president Gianni Infantino for manipulating federation politics, and ignoring rulings made at CAS.
Inaugural Women’s African Champions League final between Hasaacas and Mamelodi Sundowns
November 19 – Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will meet in the final of the inaugural Women’s African Champions League to crown the continent’s best club.
No change in Kenya despite FIFA reporting ‘excellent’ meetings with government
November 18 – The Kenyan government says the disbanding of the country’s FA remains intact despite positive initial talks with FIFA over the crisis.