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Cameroon Suspends Referees Amid Match-Fixing Probe in Elite League

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has provisionally suspended four referees and a match inspector following a match in the MTN Elite One Championship marked by highly questionable decisions. The opening day fixture between Victoria United and PWD Bamenda saw two goals disallowed and three penalties awarded, prompting the disciplinary action. FECAFOOT also announced it is investigating serious suspicions of match-fixing in another match played the same day. This comes as the federation's president, Samuel Eto'o, was recently suspended by CAF for four games following an incident at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Key Points: Cameroon Suspends Referees, Probes Match-Fixing in Football

  • Five officials suspended over controversial match
  • Federation probes "serious suspicions" of match-fixing
  • Incident occurred in MTN Elite One Championship opener
  • FECAFOOT reaffirms commitment to integrity and fair play
2 min read

Cameroon Football Federation suspends five match officials over controversial refereeing

Cameroon's football federation suspends five officials over controversial refereeing and investigates match-fixing allegations in the MTN Elite One Championship.

"marred by clearly questionable refereeing decisions - FECAFOOT statement"

Yaounde, Jan 27

Cameroon Football Federation has suspended four referees and a match inspector following contentious refereeing decisions during a game in the country's flagship football tournament, the MTN Elite One Championship.

In a statement, FECAFOOT said the match, which was played on the opening day of the championship between Victoria United and PWD of Bamenda, was "marred by clearly questionable refereeing decisions".

The match, hosted by Victoria United on Sunday, saw four yellow cards shown to PWD Bamenda, two PWD goals disallowed, and three penalties awarded to Victoria United, reports Xinhua.

"The refereeing quartet and the match inspector who officiated during the said match have been provisionally suspended from all activity pending the conclusion of the ongoing disciplinary procedures," FECAFOOT said in the statement on Monday night.

FECAFOOT said it was also investigating "serious suspicions of match-fixing" in the Dynamo Douala vs AS Fortuna match, played on the same day.

Match-fixing in Cameroonian football has come under the spotlight in recent times, with stakeholders alarmed by the increasing cases of alleged manipulation of results in the country's MTN Elite One Championship and lower tiers. "FECAFOOT reaffirms its unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency in competitions, and fair play, values essential to the development of national football. It reiterates that only the outcome on the pitch should be decided," the statement said.

A few days back, Cameroonian Football Federation president Samuel Eto'o was suspended for four games for alleged misbehaviour during his team's loss to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The federation, known as FECAFOOT, said Wednesday that it had taken note of the decision from the disciplinary committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to suspend its president along with a $20,000 fine, but that it "lacks any explicit justification". "FECAFOOT further notes that the expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair trial," the federation said.

CAF said on Monday it was investigating match incidents during the quarterfinals between Cameroon and Morocco, and Algeria and Nigeria.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Suspending officials is a start, but the real problem is deeper. When the federation president himself (Eto'o) is under suspension, it shows a systemic issue. The culture needs to change from the top.
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Aman W
Four yellow cards, two goals disallowed, and three penalties for one team? That's not questionable refereeing, that's a complete farce! Feel bad for the PWD Bamenda players and fans.
S
Sarah B
As a football fan, this is disheartening. The integrity of the sport is everything. FECAFOOT's statement about "unwavering commitment" sounds good, but they need to prove it with consistent, transparent action.
V
Vikram M
This is why VAR is so important, even in domestic leagues. Human error is one thing, but this seems intentional. Hope the investigation into match-fixing is thorough and not just for show.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while the suspension is correct, FECAFOOT complaining about a "lack of fair trial" for Eto'o is a bit rich when they are suspending their own officials based on the same kind of evidence. Consistency is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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