FIFA could suspend Central African Republic over interference
Rigobert Song's appointment is at the heart of a dispute in the Central African Republic. FIFA, which has been alerted, is monitoring the situation and has threatened suspension.
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As reported earlier by Sport News Africa, the installation of Rigobert Song as coach of the Central African Republic's Fauves has caused friction between Sports Minister Héritier Doneng and Central African Football Federation president Célestin Yanindji.
Read also: Rigobert Song already facing opposition in Central African Republic
While Yanindji is standing by the position taken by the federation's executive committee, namely a Central African coach in the person of Eloge Enza-Yamissi, the minister had Song sign a two-year contract without consulting the FCF at any point.
A different case from Cameroon
The FCF informed FIFA of this rather unique situation (unlike in Cameroon, where the dispute between Samuel Eto'o and the sports minister concerns only Marc Brys, the Central African Republic potentially has two different coaches, one from the ministry and one from the federation), and quickly received a response from football's world governing body.
FIFA says it is following the situation very closely and reminds the Central African authorities that the federation remains independent. Indeed, continued interference in its affairs could lead to a suspension of all football activity, as happened with Congo-Brazzaville.
It remains to be seen how the sports minister will react, having already had rather tense dealings with other sports federations in recent months, including the Central African Olympic Committee.