A new storm is brewing over Cameroon’s Football Federation (FECAFOOT) following allegations of fraud and money laundering linked to a missing payment of $600,000 from a friendly international match held in the United States.
Members of Cameroon’s football community have filed a formal complaint with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, demanding answers over the disappearance of funds tied to the June 10, 2023 fixture between Cameroon and Mexico in San Diego, California.
According to those raising the alarm, the sum corresponds to a contractual participation fee owed by Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the American company responsible for organising the match. Despite Cameroon fulfilling all sporting commitments, FECAFOOT has yet to receive any payment or documentation proving a transfer of funds to the federation or the US tax authorities.
In response to this silence, a formal notice has been sent to both SUM and the Mexican Football Federation, demanding immediate disclosure of payment proof and a detailed account of the $600,000’s management. This move could mark the beginning of a protracted legal battle spanning several jurisdictions.
The complaint filed alleges serious federal offenses including wire fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy. Should the DOJ or FBI confirm these allegations, the fallout could severely impact all parties involved, whether Cameroonian, Mexican, or American.
FECAFOOT, already grappling with internal controversies and governance criticisms, now faces what could be its most explosive crisis yet. The case threatens to damage Cameroon’s football reputation at a critical moment when African football strives for professionalism and transparency on the global stage.
Where did the $600,000 from the Cameroon-Mexico match vanish? The question now lies in the hands of American investigators, with the entire football world watching closely as the inquiry unfolds.
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