HOME > AFCON 2012 > NEWS > STRIKING CAMEROON PLAYERS FORCE CANCELLATION OF ALGERIA CLASH

Striking Cameroon players force cancellation of Algeria clash

Cameroon players refuse to play over cash

Posted: 2011-11-15 16:01

Striking Cameroon players have forced the abandonment of a scheduled international against Algeria on Tuesday, refusing to play after not being paid an appearance fee for two internationals at the weekend. 

"This postponement is as a result of an internal administrative problem in the Cameroon national team," the Algerian Football Federation said in a brief statement. "FAF deplores this unacceptable and unsporting situation," hinting it would seek compensation for lost costs.
 
A statement from Cameroon's players said they had not received money promised for their appearance in a four-nation tournament in Morocco at the weekend, where they played on Friday against Sudan and on Sunday against the host nation.
 
"We have decided not to make the trip to Algiers and call on the authorities in Cameroon to keep to their agreements," a statement signed by the players and published on the www.camfoot.com website said.
 
"The problem of the fees was raised a week ago and no solution found. The team played with commitment and professionals in Marrakesh but have decided not to go to Algeria."
 
They took their action after Sunday's match against Morocco in Marrakesh, where captain Samuel Eto'o first told reporters of the squad's intention.
 
Several meetings between Cameroon federation officials and players, plus the reported arrival of cash to pay the players, followed but failed to solve the situation.
 
It is the second game between top African sides on Thursday that has been cancelled after Ivory Coast pulled out of their friendly with Senegal in Paris because of travel problems.
 
Algeria will play a match between their squad members in place of the clash with Cameroon and allow free entry to spectators, the federation said.
 
Disputes over money and threats of strikes are common in African football but rarely are matches called off because of payment disputes. 

Comment on this article:

TERMS OF USE: The comments posted below do not reflect the views of KickOff.com. Users are reminded that no misuse of this comment facility will be tolerated. Any abusive, racist or inflammatory comments will be deleted and the user banned. Please report abusive posts to editor@kickoff.com

Hendry : 2011-11-15 16:43

Oh well what can 1 expect in african futball associations, players and broadcasters. They all got no love 4 the game all they thnk is mney n mre mney. What a shame especially 4rm players like Eto who shuld knw better that country cums 1st cos he even got more mney than hs federation yet he mislead the youngsters who stil wants 2 expose themslves. He mst take a leaf out of George Weah's book.

Sooper.: 2011-11-15 17:09

Hendry I-job yi-job baba..Would you go to work without receiving the previous month`s salary???I dont think so,Players have needs as well so they must get paid to do what they do best klaar...

Amkhosi : 2011-11-15 17:53

Cameroon fa ar jst lyk rats management lst seasn dy won treble cowsa dd nt gv hs plys mani he went nd sign beni mafuta mafuta with it nw rats morons praise hm afta he scored 2 fluke gaols agaist a weak swalows team afta few mnths wn hs old legs gt tird dy wil b booing hm left 2 ryt

soca: 2011-11-15 21:07

i couldn't agree with u more SOOPER, u quite right. this has got nothing to do with african players. the reason u dont get to know abt this in europe, is bcoz the associations there keep their promises. those players r been paid handsomely.

TP : 2011-11-15 22:22

Playing for ur country should be more a national service than a career,but problems will always arise because their bosses which include chairmans & ceo's of their countries are
Using this position for their own gains.

safe hands: 2011-11-16 12:26

Guys is it more of a service to the country and should be free, will the president of the FA and the country volunteer their services if no why must the players?

ooisthuizen: 2011-11-17 10:20

Even die Mighty Zebras of Botswana threatened to boycott die Niger-Botswana tie after playing Nigeria, maar it was just rumors sebe segolo kegore bo Bots ke magatlapa thy didn't strike. Associations make promises & failed to fulfill them...a bana ba patelwe chelete ya bona betsho...