Cameroon’s AFCON Hopes in Jeopardy Amid ONIES-FECAFOOT Stadium Clash

The conflict centers on the refusal of ONIES, backed by the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP), to make the Roumdé-Adjia Stadium in Garoua available for the critical match against Namibia on September 7.

The situation took a decisive turn when ONIES, citing "high instructions" from the Presidency of the Republic, insisted that the match be held at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Omnisports Stadium in Yaoundé. This move has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the integrity and autonomy of Cameroon’s sports administration.

 A Brewing Conflict

The controversy began when Fecafoot, expressed a preference for hosting the match at the Garoua stadium after the original venue which was Douala was categorized by ornies as not suitable due to heavy rainfall. However, ONIES, responsible for the maintenance and management of the nation's sports facilities, argued that the stadium was not in suitable condition for an international encounter, requiring at least a month of preparation.

The justification has drawn sharp criticism. Many in Cameroon's sports community see this as an excuse, pointing out that the stadiums used during the 2021 AFCON should still be operational. "What has ONIES been doing, knowing that these games were scheduled for September?" asked a source close to FECAFOOT.

High-Level Intervention

The dispute escalated when ONIES notified FECAFOOT of a presidential directive mandating that the match be held in Yaoundé. In a letter to FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto'o, ONIES emphasized that the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium is the most suitable venue, given its current operational status and the importance of the match.

This directive has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the motives behind the decision. Some speculate that financial and political considerations are at play, with ONIES and MINSEP seeking to maintain control over lucrative public funds allocated for sports events.

Potential Consequences

The standoff between ONIES and FECAFOOT could have dire consequences for the national team. Should ONIES persist in its refusal to provide the Garoua stadium, Cameroon risks forfeiting the match, resulting in the automatic awarding of three points to Namibia. This would be a significant blow to Cameroon's chances of qualifying for AFCON 2024 in Morocco.

Moreover, the ongoing conflict between MINSEP and the sports federations over the control of public funds has further complicated matters. Until December 2022, MINSEP managed these funds directly, but a 2023 directive from the Prime Minister transferred this responsibility to the Ministry of Finance, which now disburses subsidies directly to the federations.

This power struggle has left many federations, including FECAFOOT, in a precarious position, grappling with bureaucratic hurdles and delays in accessing much-needed resources.

A Nation’s Reputation at Stake

As the September 7 deadline approaches, the stakes could not be higher. The potential forfeiture not only threatens Cameroon's chances in the qualifiers but also risks damaging the nation's reputation on the continental stage. Many are calling for a resolution that prioritizes the interests of the national team and the country's international standing.

In the face of these challenges, the Cameroonian public and sports enthusiasts are left questioning the priorities of their sports administrators. As the clock ticks down to the AFCON qualifiers, the nation watches anxiously, hoping for a solution that will keep Cameroon’s football ambitions alive.