Football : Rigobert Song is no longer the coach of Cameroon
Through a statement from the Ministry of Sports, another from the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), and an interview with its president Samuel Eto’o, Rigobert Song learned this Wednesday that his contract as Cameroon’s coach, which expires on Thursday, will not be renewed.
In a letter titled « Non-Renewal of Your Contract », the Minister of Sports, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, explained to Song that « referring to the relevant provisions of employment contract No. 2022-025/MINSEP/CAB concluded on March 23, 2022, between the Government of the Republic of Cameroon, represented by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, and the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), on the one hand, and you, on the other hand (…), it is not possible for the State, the provider of your remuneration (salary and other benefits), to renew you in the position of Manager-Coach of the Senior Men’s Indomitable Lions ».
Around the same time, Samuel Eto’o, the president of FECAFOOT, sealed the fate of his former teammate in an interview with France 24. « He has contributed a lot to this team but the laws of football being what they are… We did not achieve our goals, and our executive committee and I do not see ourselves renewing the contract. I had the opportunity to discuss it with him. I gave our positions and now we must think about the future, while wishing him great success in his future career », explained the leader. « Allow me to pay tribute to Rigobert Song who was my captain in the national team ».
Appointed in February 2022, the inventor of the « theory of danger » had a big success at the outset by overturning Algeria in playoffs to qualify for the World Cup. But the tournament in Qatar and the months that followed did not convince, and Song leaves with a sad record of 9 defeats, 8 draws, and 6 victories in 23 matches. Apparently, a commission will be set up to find his successor, who will be appointed by the president of the republic, Paul Biya.
