FECAFOOT Fails to Pay Rigobert Song Eight Months’ Salary
Despite his dismissal as head coach of the Indomitable Lions,Rigobert Song is still owed eight months’ salary by the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). Reports from Sport News Africa reveal that the former coach went unpaid for the final eight months of his tenure, accumulating a total debt of €232,000 in salary arrears.
YAMOUSSOUKRO, IVORY COAST – JANUARY 19: Rigobert Song of Cameroon during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage match between Senegal and Cameroon at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro on January 19, 2024 in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Song, who earned €29,000 per month, is yet to receive his wages, despite officially moving on to coach the Central African Republic national team. His financial dispute with FECAFOOT raises serious concerns about the federation’s financial management, particularly given its history of similar controversies.
Song’s Tenure with Cameroon: Successes and Struggles
Rigobert Song was appointed as Cameroon’s head coach in February 2022, taking charge of a team with high expectations. Under his leadership, Cameroon had a mixed record, experiencing both historic victories and disappointing tournament exits.
2022 FIFA World Cup: Song led Cameroon to a memorable 1-0 victory over Brazil, becoming the first African team to beat Brazil in a World Cup match. However, the Indomitable Lions failed to progress past the group stage.
2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): Cameroon struggled throughout the tournament and suffered a Round of 16 exit, leading to Song’s dismissal in February 2024.
Despite the team’s challenges, Song remained a respected figure in Cameroonian football, having previously captained the national team as a player.
TOPSHOT – Cameroon’s coach #00 Rigobert Song hugs his player during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Cameroon and Serbia at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on November 28, 2022. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP) (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
FECAFOOT’s Financial Mismanagement Under Scrutiny
Song’s unpaid wages highlight growing concerns about FECAFOOT’s financial accountability. The Cameroonian football governing body has faced multiple allegations of mismanagement, with past reports of delayed salary payments to coaches and players.
This latest controversy tarnishes FECAFOOT’s reputation and raises questions about whether the organization is properly handling its financial obligations. With Cameroon’s national team looking to rebuild under a new head coach, resolving these financial issues is crucial to maintaining stability within the football federation.
What’s Next for Rigobert Song?
Now in charge of the Central African Republic national team, Song’s focus has shifted to qualifying for major tournaments and developing a competitive squad. However, his unresolved financial battle with FECAFOOT remains a concern.
It is still unclear whether FECAFOOT will settle Song’s unpaid wages or if this dispute will escalate further. If the Cameroonian federation fails to resolve the issue, legal action may be an option for Song to recover his dues.
AL WAKRAH, QATAR – NOVEMBER 28: Rigobert Song, Head Coach of Cameroon, gives their team instructions during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Cameroon and Serbia at Al Janoub Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Can FECAFOOT Restore Its Reputation?
As FECAFOOT faces mounting criticism, football stakeholders in Cameroon will be watching closely to see how the federation handles Song’s salary dispute. Failing to address the issue could damage Cameroon’s standing in the football world and affect the federation’s ability to attract top coaching talent in the future.
For now, Rigobert Song remains unpaid, and his departure from Cameroon is overshadowed by financial controversy. Will FECAFOOT finally settle the outstanding wages, or is this the beginning of a prolonged legal battle?
Stay tuned for more updates on African football’s latest developments.