Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Geremi Njitap has received a shocking five-year ban from all football activities. The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) imposed this harsh punishment following a heated dispute during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The trouble started in Côte d’Ivoire during the continental tournament. Njitap, who now serves as president of the National Union of Cameroonian Footballers (Synafoc), clashed with a FECAFOOT official in a manner that eventually contributed to his five-year ban.
Sources reveal the confrontation escalated inside the national team’s locker room. Njitap had been vocal about poor player treatment throughout the tournament. His criticism didn’t sit well with federation officials.
FECAFOOT’s Ethics Committee handled the disciplinary hearing. Samuel Eto’o, Njitap’s former teammate, headed the panel. The committee ruled that Njitap violated ethical conduct guidelines, leading to the decision on his ban.
The punishment includes a five-year suspension plus a ten million CFA franc fine (approximately $17,500). Njitap has ten days to file an appeal against the decision.
The ban has divided opinion across Cameroon’s football community. Many consider the punishment excessive, especially given Njitap’s advocacy work for player rights.
Njitap earned over 100 caps for Cameroon during his playing career. He won Olympic gold in 2000 and claimed two Africa Cup of Nations titles. His post-retirement focus on athlete welfare has made him a respected figure
Synafoc has filed complaints with multiple organizations. They’ve approached FIFA, CAF, the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC), and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The union accuses FECAFOOT of overstepping its authority with the five-year ban on Njitap.
CAF previously instructed FECAFOOT to halt actions exceeding its jurisdiction during CAF tournaments. However, the federation proceeded with disciplinary measures anyway.
Legal experts believe an international appeal could succeed. The case may hinge on questions of jurisdiction and procedural fairness. CAF’s earlier warnings to FECAFOOT could strengthen Njitap’s position.
The former midfielder must decide quickly whether to challenge the ruling, including the five-year ban. He could take the case to higher football legal bodies or focus on broader advocacy work.
This controversy raises serious questions about the governance of football in Africa. Issues of transparency and player voice protection have come under scrutiny. The case highlights ongoing tensions between federations and player representatives.
Njitap’s situation demonstrates the challenges facing those who speak out for player rights. His punishment sends a message that could discourage future advocacy efforts.
The football community now watches to see how this saga unfolds. The outcome could set important precedents for player-federation relationships across the continent.
