Cameroon’s Government Bitter over Nations Cup Rights Withdrawal

Cameroon’s government has bemoaned the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip it of the rights to host next year’s Nations Cup.

The Central African country has been scheduled to stage the continental event before a CAF meeting last Friday that saw them lose the honor.

Cameroon first secured the bid having shrugged off rivalries from a list of countries in 2014.

CAF cited the unrest in the North and South and inadequate preparation as reasons for the move saying, Cameroon failed to meet hosting requirements.

And reacting to the news for the first time after going quiet for three days, President Paul Biya’s leadership has spoken, describing CAF’s act a “blatant injustice.”

“This surprising decision, for more than one reason, is certainly unfair with regard to the huge investments made by our country, which has led to outstanding modern infrastructures as witnessed by all,” Tchiroma Bakary, spokesperson to the government said.

“Our country, which has written the pages of African football in bold letters, will not relent her efforts in working with other African countries and international football bodies to develop football in our beloved Africa,” he told journalists.

The news comes as a blow to Cameroon who forked out over 5.50 billion CFA, most of it borrowed from foreign banks, to build stadiums that will now no longer host the games.

Public reaction to the issue has been tense with some quarters calling for the resignation of the Sports Minister.