FECAFOOT cancels Aigle’s fine

Following the decision by the FECAFOOT Board of Appeal on July 17, 2014 to give back 5 points, withdraw the FCFA 1Million fine levied on Aigle Royal of Menoua, Ligue 1&2 refs have vowed to boycott all FECAFOOT activities.

This was made known in a press release signed by Gilbert Yankam, the National President of the Cameroon Association football referees (ACAF), signed on July 31,2014 after a meeting held by the executives.

"Following the release of 003/FCF/CR/2014 by the FECAFOOT Board of Appeal dated July 17, 2014 reversing the decision to call the Professional Football League of Cameroon, the national office of the Association Cameroonian Football Referees met today to express their indignation and disapproval of the decision which confirms the lack of consideration, contempt and objectification which arbitrators are covered by the federal authority in the exercise of their duties.

ACAF deplores and rejects this infamous decision, which did not take into account the gravity of the act which led to the death of young colleague Sylvain Bella "the press release stated.

It continues: "In view of all the foregoing, ACAF has asked the referees of League 1 and League 2 and all its members not to take part in all the activities of the Cameroon Football Federation, till further notice. ACAF would like to remind all members to please comply with this measure, which aims not only to preserve their physical integrity, but also the conquest and the respect and consideration they deserve from other parties and stakeholders of football. "

It should be noted that the decision is dated as far back as the 19th day of play of Ligue 2 at the Douala Reunification stadium in a match pitting Botafogo and Aigle Royal of Menoua in which referee,Sylvain Bella was attacked hit by an Aigle fan which caused serious injury to the refs head. Although the supporter was arrested, the Cameroon Professional League of Football (LFPC) deducted 5 points from Aigle and also fined them FCFA 1 million.

However, Aigle appealed to FECAFOOT's decision; their five points were returned and the fine cancelled. This has seen the team from the West Region returns back to third position. This is not the first time this year that a ref has been beaten by supporters of a team.

It is as a result of this that League 1 and 2 refs. Are bent on seeing that justice prevail and also to prevent further beatings from club supporters.

If a decision is not met, then the decision of the refs to boycott FECAFOOT activities will affect the delayed matches of the round of 32 of the Cup of Cameroon that were to take place this weekend. Also, it might affect the resumption of the League that has been scheduled on August 9 and 10.