Crisis in Cameroon: Referees pull out of all domestic competitions — Here’s why

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The Cameroonian Association of Football Referees (ACAF) has decided to suspend all referees and assistant referees from participating in domestic competitions, including Elite One, Elite Two, and the Women’s First Division.

The suspension will take effect on Monday, April 21.

According to ACAF, the move comes in response to the non-payment of referees' dues totaling approximately 300 million CFA Francs (almost $519,820). The outstanding payments cover the 2021–2022, 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and the ongoing 2024–2025 season.

The association confirmed that referees will return to officiating once the dues are fully paid. This decision marks a critical moment for Cameroonian football, as the absence of referees threatens to disrupt the domestic calendar.

It’s worth noting that the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) is Samuel Eto’o, the legendary former striker and one of Africa’s greatest football icons.