The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rendered a decision on August 12, 2021, in the dispute between the Cameroonian Professional Football League (LFPC) and the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT). The conflict originated from FECAFOOT's suspension of the LFPC on August 22, 2019, for alleged violations of its obligations, later confirmed by FECAFOOT’s Executive Committee on September 3, 2019. The LFPC challenged this decision before the CAS, which ruled in a prior case (TAS 2020/A/6783) that the suspension was illegal as of October 18, 2019, and restored the LFPC’s rights to organize professional football in Cameroon.
Following this ruling, FECAFOOT convened its Executive Committee and General Assembly in September 2020 to address the LFPC’s status. The Executive Committee acknowledged the CAS decision but raised concerns about the LFPC’s governance, noting expired mandates and ineligible members. It proposed interim measures, including extending the LFPC president’s term and appointing a new secretary-general, while recommending an elective general assembly within 30 days. The LFPC contested these actions, leading to further disputes over governance and statutory compliance.
The CAS panel, led by arbitrator Alexander McLin, examined the LFPC’s legal standing and FECAFOOT’s compliance with statutory frameworks. The LFPC argued that FECAFOOT’s decisions violated its statutes and legal principles, while FECAFOOT claimed the LFPC had been dissolved by its own general assembly on October 29, 2020, and lacked standing to appeal. The arbitrator found procedural irregularities in the LFPC’s dissolution, including insufficient notice for the assembly, and concluded the LFPC retained legal capacity to pursue the case.
The dispute also centered on FECAFOOT’s withdrawal of the LFPC’s delegated powers under Article 93 of its General Regulations, citing dysfunction and violations. The LFPC denied these allegations, arguing FECAFOOT failed to follow its own statutes and unfairly interfered in its operations. The arbitrator acknowledged some mismanagement by the LFPC, including chaotic general assemblies and organizing a match with unlicensed players, but found these issues alone did not justify revoking its authority. However, the arbitrator upheld FECAFOOT’s decision, citing systemic failures and a breakdown of trust, while emphasizing the need for professionalism and adherence to regulations.
Ultimately, the CAS rejected the LFPC’s appeal, confirming FECAFOOT’s decision to withdraw its delegated powers. The ruling highlighted the complexities of football governance in Cameroon and the importance of statutory compliance, leaving the LFPC dissolved and FECAFOOT in control of organizing professional leagues. The case underscored the CAS’s role in resolving sports disputes with full authority to review facts and law, ensuring fair outcomes within the regulatory framework.