Fabrice Mayebi: SYNAFOC Board Departure in Cameroon Amid Internal Dispute

• Fabrice Mayebi has announced his withdrawal from the SYNAFOC steering committee after ten years of service alongside President Geremi Njitap.
• He learned of his "ejection" from the committee via a WhatsApp group, which he views as a symptom of deeper SYNAFOC internal dispute.
• Mayebi alleges a profound lack of transparency and dialogue within SYNAFOC, citing unanswered requests for explanations and "dubious" elections on September 2, 2026.
• He criticizes the union for deviating from its core mission, lacking concrete actions, and having poor governance under its current leadership.
• His departure highlights significant concerns about the governance and operational integrity of the Cameroonian football union.

The dispute brings to light the challenges faced by unions when internal communication breaks down and decision-making processes become opaque, potentially eroding member trust and undermining the organization's effectiveness.

Fabrice Mayebi, a long-serving member of the SYNAFOC steering committee, has announced his withdrawal from the organization. Operating from Paris, Mr. Mayebi's departure comes after a decade of service alongside President Geremi Sorel Njoyap, also known as Geremi Njitap. He revealed that he learned of his removal from the committee list through an "ejection" from a WhatsApp group, an event he paradoxically described as "good news" given the surrounding circumstances. This Fabrice Mayebi SYNAFOC board departure Cameroon marks a significant moment for the football union.

Mr. Mayebi's decision to step down was detailed in a press release dated September 2, 2026. In his statement, he explicitly stated that he had consistently refused to yield to pressures, blackmail, or arrangements that conflicted with his personal values and his vision for committed engagement within the union. His exit follows a period of escalating internal tensions and a perceived lack of accountability within the organization.

Central to Mr. Mayebi's departure are serious allegations of a SYNAFOC internal dispute characterized by a profound lack of dialogue and transparency. He recounted instances where he sought clarification regarding "gossip" and information allegedly circulated about him by President Geremi Njitap, the Secretary-General, and other steering committee members. Despite making these requests for clear and precise explanations on two separate occasions, he received no response.

Further fueling his concerns about SYNAFOC transparency issues, Mr. Mayebi highlighted actions he described as "cowardly," executed through a separate, secretly established WhatsApp group. This clandestine group was reportedly created just days before what he termed "dubious" elections held on September 2, 2026. He also raised questions about the authenticity and conditions surrounding a summons he had received, indicating a broader pattern of opaque communication and decision-making within the union. He expressed deep regret over the absence of open communication, asserting that a union claiming to defend its members' interests should prioritize truth, open debate, and accountability.

Mr. Mayebi's statement extends beyond his personal experience to offer a comprehensive critique of SYNAFOC's operational direction over the past decade. He observed that the union had progressively strayed from its foundational objectives and primary mission, a stark contrast to the vision of its founder, his father, David Mayebi. He recalled his father's tireless efforts, alongside other pioneering figures like Roger Milla, Minister Amba Sala, Mama Pierrot, Mr. Bep Solo, and Dr. Ngalle, in establishing a robust and active union.

His criticisms of the current SYNAFOC leadership under Geremi Njitap SYNAFOC are wide-ranging. He lamented a scarcity of concrete actions and structuring initiatives, alongside an insufficient presence among the very members the union is meant to serve. Furthermore, he pointed to an interruption of dialogue with the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), the sport's governing body in Cameroon. He also criticized the scheduling of general assemblies based on the "moods" of the Secretary-General and President Geremi Njitap, and steering committee meetings that occurred only every two years via digital means, featuring "bland" content. Lastly, he expressed dismay at committee members who, he suggested, were motivated by personal gain rather than the union's collective good, celebrating "successes" that he implied were superficial.

The Fabrice Mayebi SYNAFOC ejection and his subsequent public statement underscore critical issues regarding Cameroon football union governance. His allegations of a lack of transparency, questionable election processes, and a deviation from the union's core mission highlight the imperative for robust and accountable leadership within professional organizations. The dispute brings to light the challenges faced by unions when internal communication breaks down and decision-making processes become opaque, potentially eroding member trust and undermining the organization's effectiveness.

This SYNAFOC internal dispute serves as a potent reminder of the importance of upholding the founding principles of such bodies, particularly those established to protect the interests of vulnerable professionals like footballers. The call for greater dialogue and transparency resonates beyond SYNAFOC, emphasizing that any organization purporting to represent its members must foster an environment where truth, constructive criticism, and responsibility can flourish freely. The implications of these governance concerns extend to the broader landscape of Cameroonian football, potentially impacting player welfare and the sport's overall development.

This case underscores the importance of robust and transparent governance structures within unions and professional bodies. Lawyers advising such organizations should review internal statutes and communication protocols to prevent disputes arising from opaque decision-making, particularly regarding board member changes and election processes.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun