Minister Calls For Three-Year Suspension Of National Team

Sports Minister Calls For Three-Year Suspension Of National Team

 Sampson Adedeji

The Minister of Sports in the Central African Republic, Héritier Doneng, has called for a three-year suspension of the country’s national football team following a series of disappointing performances, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Earlier this year, the Sports Ministry appointed former Cameroon national team coach Rigobert Song to lead the team. However, the Central African Football Federation rejected the appointment, opting instead for local coach Eloge Enza-Yamissi.

The national team’s performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been underwhelming, with a 4-1 loss to Madagascar and a goalless draw against Mali.

After extensive deliberations on Saturday, the Ministry proposed a suspension of the senior national team from international competitions.

“We all note that, despite the funds allocated by the government, the national A team’s results are taking us further and further away from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup,” Minister Doneng said.

“In light of this situation and our limited financial resources, I am requesting the suspension of the national A team from CAF and FIFA competitions for a period of three years.”

He emphasized the need to redirect government efforts toward developing grassroots football, school sports, infrastructure, and better supervision of the U17 and U20 teams.

This move could risk FIFA suspending the country from all football-related activities. The global football body had previously warned against state interference when the Football Federation reached out for guidance in May.