In a surprising turn of events, the Football Federation of the Central African Republic has distanced itself from the recent selection of Cameroonian football legend Rigobert Song as the new head coach of the national team, labeling the decision as unilateral.
The former captain of the Indomitable Lions was officially announced on Monday through a government decree after discussions with President Faustin-Archange Touadera. The FCF expressed its astonishment and dissatisfaction upon discovering the decision via social media.
In an official statement, the federation claimed that it was neither consulted nor made aware of the behind-the-scenes decision-making process, which contravenes the regulations governing sports federations. This situation raises concerns about possible tensions between the sports ministry and football administration.
Furthermore, the authority to establish recruitment policies lies solely with the FCF, which was already working on a plan to nationalize the coaching position, with Eloge Enza Yamissi set to lead a fully Central African technical team.
Nonetheless, the Central African Republic is eager to achieve a harmonious resolution to this issue, especially as the country has recently rekindled its passion for football after qualifying for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The statement elaborated: “The Central African Football Federation was surprised by the social media announcement regarding decree No. 022/MP/SEC/DIR-CAB.2025, dated January 13, 2025, which appointed selectors for the national team A.
“The executive committee of the Central African Football Federation convened an extraordinary meeting on January 14, 2025, to inform both national and international stakeholders that it was neither involved nor consulted in this decision-making process.
“As a result, it asserts that it does not endorse this unilateral decision, which violates established provisions – ‘Decisions regarding the recruitment of members of management structures must remain the exclusive purview and responsibility of the executive committee of the federations.’
“Therefore, the Central African Federation has decided to nationalize the coaching position for the Fauves A. The interim will be managed by a fully Central African Republic technical team led by Eloge Enza Yamissi, the former captain of the Fauves A.
“In light of the recent qualification of the Central African Republic for the African Nations Championships (CHAN), and while President Faustin Archange Touadera is intensifying efforts to promote peace among citizens, the Central Football Federation seeks, in alignment with this vision, to avoid any actions that could incite unnecessary conflict between the sports ministry and the governing body of Central African Football.
Interestingly, back in February 2022, FIFA suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) due to government interference, leading to a ban on all national teams – men, women, and youth – and preventing clubs from participating in continental competitions.
