The global footballers’ union, FIFPRO, has come out in strong support of former Cameroon international Geremi Njitap following his five-year ban from all football-related activities by the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
In a statement dated June 21, 2025, FIFPRO said it “stands in full support of Geremi Njitap, president of the Cameroon players union SYNAFOC and member of FIFPRO’s global board,” as well as SYNAFOC General Secretary Daniel Blaise Ngos, who was also banned for two years and fined $8,250.
FECAFOOT’s sanctions stem from a reported altercation involving Geremi during Cameroon’s group match against The Gambia at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Security removed the former Chelsea midfielder from the stadium following a clash with a member of FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o’s inner circle.
The federation’s ethics committee later found Geremi guilty of breaching its behavioural code, handing him a five-year suspension and a fine of $16,500.
FIFPRO, however, condemned the sanctions, warning of a growing trend where “football authorities misuse internal disciplinary structures to target player unions and their leaders,” calling it a threat to players’ rights and accountability in the sport.
The union also criticised FECAFOOT for recognising a new players’ body instead of SYNAFOC, describing the move as an attempt to undermine the legitimate voice of Cameroonian players.
FIFPRO has called on FIFA and CAF to investigate the situation and take action to ensure fair governance and the protection of union leaders.
Geremi is expected to appeal the ruling and may take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
