CAF Asks Cameroon Football Federation to Halt Geremi Njitap Case Pending Clarification
Veron Mosengo-Omba, the Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has formally requested the Cameroon football federation (FECAFOOT) to suspend all proceedings related to Geremi Sorel Njitap Fotso’s case.
The request comes as CAF seeks to assume jurisdiction over allegations against Njitap regarding violations during a CAF event.
In a letter dated May 6 and addressed to Blaise Djounang of FECAFOOT, Mosengo-Omba emphasized the exclusive jurisdiction of CAF in matters related to events under its purview. The letter, titled ‘Request for Clarification,’ outlines concerns regarding Njitap’s alleged unauthorized entry into the Cameroon national team’s dressing rooms during a match against Gambia in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire.
The letter states, “Given that the alleged incident occurred during an official CAF competition, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) would have exclusive jurisdiction to hear this matter.” CAF has requested FECAFOOT to cease any ongoing proceedings and transfer all relevant documentation and evidence to CAF for review.
The dispute involving Njitap, former Cameroon international and current president of the Cameroon professional football syndicate (SYNAFOC), and FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o has been a subject of public attention.
The conflict arose after Njitap was reportedly denied access to the Indomitable Lions’ dressing room following a match during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Njitap, in his capacity as SYNAFOC president, issued a statement decrying the situation, leading to tensions between the two football figures.
The recent development with CAF’s intervention adds a new dimension to the ongoing dispute, raising questions about potential disciplinary actions and the jurisdictional authority of football governing bodies.
Fans and observers await further updates as CAF and FECAFOOT navigate this complex situation, which has implications for the football landscape in Cameroon and beyond.