By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, Cameroon – Bamboutos FC of Mbouda, one of the country’s most storied clubs, has officially withdrawn from the 2024/25 MTN Elite One Championship, citing deep grievances with the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) – the country’s football governing body. An announcement that sent shockwaves across the Cameroonian football landscape.
The declaration, made in a strongly worded letter addressed to FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o, was confirmed on April 14, 2025. Club officials accuse the Federation of financial neglect, manipulation of match results, and targeted persecution, leading to what they describe as a “total collapse of motivation.”
Financial Grievances and Unpaid Bonuses
Bamboutos FC lamented the non-payment of several bonuses owed to them by the Federation. These include: 50 million FCFA for winning the 2022-2023 Super Cup, 25 million FCFA for finishing runners-up in the 2023 league season, 15 million FCFA as runners-up of the 2022 Cameroon Cup, Outstanding sponsorship bonuses, and 50% share of gate revenue, which has allegedly not been disbursed.
Claims of Sporting Injustice and Conspiracy
Beyond the financial disputes, Bamboutos FC accuses FECAFOOT of actively undermining their sporting success through match result manipulation and biased officiating.
“We rightly note that our club is the victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by the leaders of Cameroon’s football governing body. Officials constantly falsify the results of our matches, with immediate effects on our ranking,” the statement read in part.
They also claim that repeated efforts to engage with the Federation and seek redress have fallen on deaf ears. “All the steps taken with your body and the multiple appeals to the FECAFOOT leadership have been in vain and unproductive. We are convinced that, for reasons that seem unfounded and subjective to us, a machine is being put in place to permanently disqualify us.”
The club warns that such actions are contributing to the “self-destruction of Cameroonian football”, pointing to dwindling attendance at stadiums and growing public discontent with refereeing standards.
“We must note with some bitterness today that we are the target of unprecedented persecution. Without any pretension, by these actions, we are resolutely engaged in a process of self-destruction of Cameroonian football,” the letter emphasized.
FECAFOOT has not issued a public response to the withdrawal. However, analysts say the development raises serious concerns about the management of professional football in Cameroon. The exit of Bamboutos could not only destabilize the league but also amplify calls for reforms within FECAFOOT.
