Awambeng Fuh
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Fresh controversy has hit Cameroonian football following alarming revelations from officials of Colombe Sportive du Sud, who claim the club has not received any financial payments from the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) for several years.
Speaking during the club’s general assembly, a senior official painted a grim picture of prolonged financial neglect despite the team’s recent domestic and continental successes. According to the club, ₣50 million FCFA owed for winning the 2025 Cameroon Super Cup has never been paid. The same amount is reportedly outstanding for their triumph in the 2025 Cameroon Championship, while the prize money for winning the 2024 Cameroon Cup also remains unpaid.
The club further revealed that the ₣50 million FCFA CAF Champions League participation fee has not been paid, despite Colombe representing Cameroon on the continental stage. In addition, state subsidies meant to support club operations were allegedly received only once over the past three seasons, placing heavy financial strain on the club.
Colombe’s complaints are not isolated. FC Ebolowa and Awa FC, among other clubs, are also reported to be facing similar financial difficulties, with unpaid bonuses, subventions, and prize money. The discontent stretches beyond the Elite One championship, as several Elite Two clubs have equally voiced concerns over delayed or non-existent payments, worsening already fragile financial conditions in the lower division.
We have trophies, but we don’t have the money that comes with them,” a Colombe official told members during the meeting, expressing frustration over a situation that has persisted for years.
These revelations reinforce findings previously highlighted by CFOOT, which reported last year that none of Cameroon’s recent league champions since the so-called ‘era of greatness’ have received their prize money. While widely known within football circles, the issue has largely remained underreported.
The continued silence from many clubs is reportedly driven by fear of reprisals. Sources suggest teams avoid speaking out against FECAFOOT due to the risk of severe sanctions, including suspensions of up to ten years.
As clubs across Elite One and Elite Two struggle to pay players, technical staff, and meet basic operational costs, pressure continues to mount on football authorities. The growing unrest raises an increasingly urgent question within the football community: where is the money in Cameroonian football going?
Beyond credibility, the situation now threatens the survival of several clubs that form the backbone of Cameroon’s domestic football system.
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