Cameroon Football Federation Divorces with One All Sports

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – The Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT has ended its relationship with the equipment supplier, One All Sports, in what it terms the non-respect of the contractual agreement.

On August 12, 2022, FECAFOOT signed a three-year partnership with American brand One All Sports with the latter taking over from Le Coq Sportif as the country's new equipment manufacturer. The deal was a major one for One All Sports who used it to make inroads in the manufacturing of equipment for national teams, having been involved in the past twenty years in sports-related apparel and accessories.

Announcing the deal at the time, FECAFOOT said the agreement was the most lucrative equipment contract ever concluded by Cameroon, though the exact amount of the agreement was not published. The American company has offered a substantially high amount of money for the deal. In addition to the provision of money, One All Sports was expected to supply equipment for the national teams once a year and also a first-class bus for the senior men's football team, the latter of which is yet to be provided. One All Sports was equally to make gadgets and uniforms available to fans at affordable prices.

Almost two years into the contract, the marriage has now ended between FECAFOOT and one All Sports. In a communique from FECAFOOT Secretary-General, Blaise Djounang, Cameroon will wear One All Sports for the last time in September this year, during the Afcon qualifiers.

“The Cameroon Football Federation attaches great importance to the proper execution of contractual commitments made freely by the parties. For this reason, it has decided to terminate this contract, thus putting an end to the partnership with this equipment supplier,” said FECAFOOT Secretary-General, Blaise Djounang.

"The Cameroon Football Federation will, very shortly, launch an invitation to tender aimed at selecting a new equipment supplier commensurate with the prestigious status of C'meroon's National Selections."

So, what happened to the most lucrative contract ever signed? That is the big question in the mouths of some sports journalists in the country. Indeed, most recently, David Mendelsohn, Chief Executive and Founder of One All Sports told Pan African Visions in February this year that the relationship with FECAFOOT is going forward and that they had provided the best kit design and quality for the players, coaches and fans.

“It's a dream to work with any federation; however, we have the utmost respect for Cameroon FECAFOOT, all the players, staff, and president. An iconic country when I visited the people, passion and love for this sport football will always be a life-long memory and a special place in our hearts,” David Mendelsohn said.

He however conceded that the problem with Bee Sarl who was given the rights to re-sell Oneallsports license products for the National Cameroon Football team only in Cameroon through their dealer network, had caused major damage and also inflicted issues with Edimo Design and FECAFOOT which has left a sore taste for One All Sports.

It is still uncertain if One All Sports will go down the same route as the former equipment supplier Le Coq Sportif, who sued FECAFOOT in a French court and won.