Central African Republic: federation does not recognise Rigobert Song's appointment
Despite the sports ministry's announcement, the Central African Football Federation does not recognise Rigobert Song as national team coach
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On the morning of Tuesday 14 January, Central African Football Federation (FCF) president Celestin Yanindji learned the news the same way as all his compatriots: Rigobert Song had been installed as the national team's new coach. Shock.
Read also: Rigobert Song new Central African Republic coach
Not consulted beforehand, the FCF reacted angrily to the decision, driven by sports minister Héritier Doneng, which it learned of "with dismay and surprise through social media [...] The Executive Committee of the Central African Football Federation, meeting in extraordinary session on 14 January 2025, informs national and international opinion that it was neither involved in nor consulted on the taking of this decision."
The federation has decided to "nationalise" the head coach role
Further on in its statement, the FCF says it does "not recognise this unilateral decision" and explains that it has "decided to nationalise the post of coach of the Fauves A", handing the interim role to Eloge Enza Yamissi following the dismissal of Swiss coach Raoul Savoy.
While the federation thanks head of state Faustin Archange Touadera (who posed for photos with Rigobert Song) for his efforts to "consolidate peace between the daughters and sons of the country", it adds that it does not want an unnecessary crisis with the sports ministry.
Behind the scenes, some have indeed been wondering for several months whether the sports minister has Celestin Yanindji in his sights in order to reshape the FCF as he sees fit.