In response to a surge in false information circulating about the national team's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) issued a strong statement on Wednesday, denouncing the rumours and emphasizing their potential to disrupt team dynamics.
FECAFOOT Secretary-General Blaise Djounang explicitly refuted allegations of a conflict between FA president Samuel Eto'o and head coach Rigobert Song, dismissing them as “crudely crafted fake news.”
Additionally, he addressed claims of expelled former stars within the Cameroonian delegation, labelling them as baseless.
Djounang cautioned that such misinformation poses a significant risk of destabilizing the national team, technical staff, and administrative support staff.
He called on fans to remain vigilant against misleading content and emphasized the importance of relying on official sources for accurate information.
In the official statement, Djounang urged social media users to contribute to a “serene” environment for the team by exercising restraint and refraining from spreading unsubstantiated rumours.
The FECAFOOT official highlighted the rotation system for its staff participating in international competitions, specifically the CAN TotalEnergies 2023.
He clarified that multiple waves of delegations would arrive depending on the Indomitable Lions' progress in the competition, emphasizing the need to manage information responsibly.
FECAFOOT, concerned about the potential spread of misinformation, called Indomitable Lions fans to be vigilant and seek information from reliable sources.
The statement concluded by appealing to social media users to contribute to a calm atmosphere around the team, especially as Cameroon continues its AFCON campaign with upcoming matches against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.
The official statement from FECAFOOT was released in Yaoundé on January 16, 2024.