The Cameroon Football Federation for the past two years initiated a series of reforms aimed at improving the practise of football in Cameroon. Within the framework of these reforms, the federation envisaged the reduction of the number of clubs in the elite championship, requested clubs to establish a solid and permanent administration as well as improve on football playing grounds across the country.
Concerning the reduction of the number of clubs in the various football championships, the number of clubs in the first division now known as the MTN Elite one championship, was reduced from 18 to 14 and a new national championship was introduced for second division clubs dubbed MTN elite two with the country divided into three zones, while maintaining the provincial championships.
As regards the professional management of football clubs in the country, clubs were given up to August 22 to furnish the federation with a permanent address indicating the headquarters of the club, telephone number, fax or e-mail address where available. To avoid the haphazard movement of players, the federation requested clubs to sign contracts with players, samples of which were given to the different clubs with an obligation to establish a fixed monthly salary for the players, state the duration of the contract and establishing an insurance policy for the players. Copies of such contracts will be deposited at the football federation. With the new system, the movement of players will be controlled as only clubs will negotiate transfers for players, except the players has come to the end of his or her contract with the club.
According to the head of competitions department FECAFOOT, Martin Etonge, 60 per cent of first division clubs complied with this regulation before the August 22 deadline. However, those that have not yet fulfilled this regulation were given up to August 27 to do so. Within the same scope of improving on football management in the country, he said Fecafoot in collaboration with the world football governing body, recently carried out a training exercise for first division coaches and coaches of the various national selections. He disclosed that a training workshop is coming up on September 4, this time for the administrative of first division clubs.
On the issue of playgrounds, the head of competitions department at Fecafoot said clubs were in the process of preparing their playgrounds to conform to FIFA prescription but that inspections will be conducted on the eve of the beginning of the new football season billed for 13 September. However, it will be noted that the Cameroon football federation in partnership with MTN, has initiated the construction of stadiums in certain parts of the country. Mbouda, Guider and Akonolinga were earmarked for the first phase of the programme. The one in Mbouda has already been constructed, but the ones in Guider and Akonolinga are still pending. In the same vane, Fecafoot with the assistance of FIFA is in the process of placing a green top at the stadium in Douala.
By Fred Vubem, CT.
