Rigobert Song’s Appointment as CAR Coach in Jeopardy Amid Dispute

The controversy arises from a clash between the Central African Republic’s Ministry of Sports and the national football federation (FCF). While the government insists Song’s appointment has the backing of the highest authorities, including President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the federation, led by Célestin Yanindji, maintains that the hiring of a national coach falls solely under its jurisdiction.

Federation vs. State Authority

Speaking during a visit to Douala for the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, FCF President Yanindji reiterated that the executive committee of the federation alone has the authority to appoint a national team coach. This stance contrasts sharply with that of Sports Minister Rodolphe Héritier Doneng, who has publicly supported Song’s appointment and expressed full confidence in the Cameroonian legend.

“The national team belongs to the state,” said Doneng. “The decision has been made. The President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Sports, and the Central African people all stand behind Rigobert Song. The federation is tasked with collaborating with him, and our goal is to qualify for the AFCON and the World Cup.”

Contract Signing Postponed

Despite these declarations, Rigobert Song left Bangui for Yaoundé without signing his contract. The signing ceremony, initially scheduled for January 15, was abruptly canceled due to the ongoing dispute between the state and the federation.

Song, however, remains optimistic. Speaking to Deutsche Welle, he expressed hope for a resolution: “At some point, I believe there will be good collaboration to ensure everything works out well.” He downplayed the absence of a formal contract, stating, “Once you have the approval of the country’s top sports authority—the head of state—what more is needed? When you are assigned a mission, you focus on the task at hand; the rest will follow.”

Echoes of François Omam-Biyik’s Experience

The situation bears a striking resemblance to the 2017 case of François Omam-Biyik, another celebrated Cameroonian football figure. Omam-Biyik was appointed by the Central African government to lead the Fauves, but his project collapsed when then-FCF President Patrice Édouard Ngaïssona refused to sign his contract.

Song now faces a similar challenge: navigating the power struggle between the state and the federation to ensure his role is formalized.

Hope Amid Uncertainty

While the disagreements highlight deep structural issues in sports governance in the Central African Republic, Song remains committed to the task of revitalizing the national team. His optimism suggests that he is prepared to weather the administrative storm, with the ultimate goal of leading the team to its first-ever AFCON and World Cup qualifications.

The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Song’s appointment materializes or becomes another missed opportunity for the Fauves, mirroring the frustrations of François Omam-Biyik. For now, the focus remains on whether the state and the federation can reconcile their differences and prioritize the country’s football aspirations.