Football : Referees Decry Non-payment of Dues

Yesterday April 21, 2025, marked the commencement of a strike action by football referees across Cameroon. This drastic move was announced by the Cameroon Association of Football Referees in a communique dated April 16, 2025. The referees are decrying the Cameroon Football Federation's (FECAFOOT) prolonged failure to settle outstanding payments totaling about FCFA 300 million.
The formal notice containing the discontent among the "men in black" clearly stated the suspension of referee participation in all competitions organized by the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) this season, effective as from yesterday. 
The financial grievances of the referees, assistant referees, and inspectors span an alarming four seasons, encompassing the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and the recent 2024-2025 campaigns. In their official communique, the Cameroon Association of Football Referees has unequivocally stated that no referee should officiate any FECAFOOT-organised matches until all back payments, including those for the current season, are fully disbursed.
During this indefinite strike period, the president of the Cameroon Association of Football Referees, Alioum Sidi, has urged all referees to maintain their physical and technical preparedness, signaling a clear intent to resume their duties promptly upon resolution of their financial demands.
Despite the firm stance on the suspension, the referees have indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with FECAFOOT. Th...