With the election of Samuel Eto'o as president of the Cameroon football federation late last year, all seemed to be a bed of roses for the federation as well as the local championship. Matches have been unfolding as programmed while the federation even went a step further to provide feeding, lodging and transportation of the teams during match days.
The big and outstanding issue that concerns the actors; footballers does not seem to have been addressed. Salaries and other bonuses for some clubs have not been paid.
The federation in an attempt to safe the situation had earlier given money to the participating clubs at the start of the season to help with player bonuses and salaries. Some club presidents say the money was not sustainable even for a month.
Now reality sets in. Players of New Stars of Douala have decided to go on strike. The reason? They claim unpaid salaries and bonuses.
As a result, the team did not show up at the Bafoussam Bamendzi stadium where they were supposed to face UMS of Loum in the 9th day of the Cameroonian Elite One championship. New Stars of Douala lost the match on the basis of forfeits (3-0). The club is already mingling with relegation in a group B where Coton Sport won its third consecutive victory by beating Bamboutos (2-0). Other teams so far have not been vocal about the salary situations but information from some clubs say the situation is same for many.
Elite One: Results
Apejes de Mfou 2-0 Tonnerre
Union de Douala 0-2 FC Djiko
Colombe 1-0 Racing
Fauve Azur 2-3 Canon de Yaoundé
Panthère 0-2 Yong Sport
Fortuna 1-1 Stade Renard
PWD 0-0 Renaissance
Avion 1-2 Yaoundé FC
Fovu 0-1 Eding
Coton 2-0 Bamboutos.
