In a surprising turn of events, the Central African Republic Football Federation has publicly distanced itself from the recent decision to appoint Cameroonian football legend Rigobert Song as the head coach of the national team, labeling the move as unilateral.

The former captain of the Indomitable Lions was officially announced on Monday through a government decree following discussions with President Faustin-Archange Touadera. The FCF expressed its shock and dissatisfaction upon discovering the news via social media.

In a formal statement, the federation emphasized that it was neither consulted nor informed about the behind-the-scenes decision-making process, which violates the governing regulations of sports federations. This raises concerns about potential tensions between the sports ministry and football administration.

Furthermore, the responsibility for establishing recruitment policies lies solely with the FCF, which had already initiated plans to nationalize the coaching position, with Eloge Enza Yamissi set to lead a fully Central African technical team.

Nonetheless, the Central African Republic is committed to finding an amicable resolution to this issue, particularly as the nation has recently rekindled its passion for football after qualifying for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The statement noted: “The Central African Football Federation was surprised by the announcement via social media regarding decree No. 022/MP/SEC/DIR-CAB.2025, dated January 13, 2025, appointing selectors for the national team A.

“The executive committee of the Central African Football Federation convened an extraordinary meeting on January 14, 2025, to notify national and international stakeholders that it was neither involved nor consulted in this decision-making process.

“As a result, it maintains that it does not support this unilateral decision, which contradicts established regulations – ‘Decisions concerning the recruitment of management structure members must remain solely within the purview and responsibility of the executive committee of the federations.’

“Consequently, the Central African Federation has decided to nationalize the coaching position for the Fauves A. The interim will be overseen by a fully Central African Republic technical team under the guidance of Eloge Enza Yamissi, a former captain of the Fauves A.

“Given the recent qualification of the Central African Republic for the African Nations Championships (CHAN), and at a time when President Faustin Archange Touadera is strengthening efforts to promote peace among citizens, the Central Football Federation, in line with this vision, aims to prevent any actions that could create unnecessary conflict between the sports ministry and the governing body of Central African Football.

Interestingly, in February 2022, FIFA suspended the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) due to governmental interference, leading to a ban affecting all national teams – men, women, and youth – and preventing clubs from participating in continental competitions.