Several events negatively impacted Cameroonian football throughout 2015.

The faults came from all angles including the mismanagement of several competitions, the influence of the decisions taken by the authorities, expected players who did not prove themselves, among others. Below is a review of how the year went.

1. The failure at the AFCON 2015

After a brilliant qualifying campaign, the star of the Indomitable Lions died after Stephane Mbia and his teammates step their feet on Malabo, during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2015. Cameroonians who had resumed to dream after the historic collapse of the World Cup in Brazil where they were eliminated in the first round without glory, with a record of two draws and a defeat against Cote d’Ivoire (1-0).

2. Mbia and the exiled family

The image, reputation and honor of Stephane Mbia took a hit in August, with the case of his family in exile in Turkey. Based on using abuses of Boko Haram in Cameroon to support the visa application for his relatives, the Lions’ captain put himself under the spotlight.

3. The postponement of the AFCON 2016

Advancing the argument of “rain” for the postponement of the women’s AFCON 2016 was seen as a tasteless hoax for many amateurs of women’s football. Many believed that the authorities should have told the “truth” recognizing that with the Cameroonian mentality and slowness, meeting the deadlines was impossible. The CAF fell in their trap and it was essential.

4. Prof. Joseph Owona, constitutionalist and illegal texts

Selected among many to lead the Normalization of the Cameroonian football, Prof. Joseph Owona left FECAFOOT without fulfilling his missions. The proof was that, the texts he left were declared illegal by the Chamber of Conciliation and Arbitration of CNOSC which then canceled the entire electoral process of FECAFOOT. Challenges has remained since then and the war is far from over.

5. The press release of Bidoung Mkpatt

The reaction of Pierre Ishmael Bidoung Mkpatt following the cancellation of the entire electoral process of FECAFOOT in November continues to raise talks. It was through a statement that the sports minister decided to legitimize Tombi a Roko to the presidency of the football body, kicking into touch the decision of the Chamber of Arbitration and Conciliation of CNOSC which is a judicial body. For the rule of law is a major snub.

The impact of this decision on other sectors of the economy of Cameroon is huge because investors know how the government can flout its own laws.

6. No qualification for Rio

No selection will go to Rio de Janeiro. Be it the Indomitable Lionesses or the young Lions, Cameroon will have no representative at these Olympic Games, in the football discipline. And this is one of the few times that it has happened.