The Cameroon Volleyball Federation has issued a sharp warning to anyone tempted to cross the line into illegality. Those who choose to ignore the law do so at their own risk.
In a strongly worded statement released by its Communications Unit, FECAVOLLEY has reminded the public that Julien Serge Abouem A. Boull, the federation’s former president, holds no authority whatsoever to organise competitions in the name of Cameroon’s volleyball governing body. This includes a tournament recently announced with considerable fanfare at Collège Johnston.
Abouem has been suspended from the Olympic and sporting movement until 2032 by Cameroon’s National Olympic and Sports Committee, and his legal challenges were dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Any attempt by him to present himself as the federation’s president amounts to nothing more than imposture.
The federation has made clear that Abouem was removed from office following the Electoral General Assembly on 20 January 2023. The suspension handed down by the National Olympic Committee remains in force and has not been challenged. The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed the legitimacy of the current federal executive, which is recognised by FIVB, the sport’s international governing body. Neither national authorities, including the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic Committee, nor international bodies such as the African Volleyball Confederation and FIVB recognise Abouem in any official capacity.
The federation has warned that any sporting activities he undertakes or announces are not legally, administratively, or sportingly valid.
Athletes, officials, referees and coaches have been cautioned that participating in this unsanctioned competition could result in immediate suspension from all federation activities, exclusion from national and international competitions, and sanctions under the regulations of FECAVOLLEY, the African Volleyball Confederation and FIVB. The federation will not recognise any licences, insurance or sporting protection associated with this clandestine event.
Businesses, schools and public or private organisations are also being urged to exercise extreme caution. Any public or semi-public enterprise involved could face referral to the Special Criminal Court should there be irregular use of public funds. Private entities or educational establishments that lend support may be formally notified to their supervising ministry, face requests for administrative prohibition, and potentially be prosecuted for complicity in usurpation of function or the illegal organisation of sporting activities.
FECAVOLLEY has emphasised that it remains the sole legal authority empowered to organise, supervise, approve and sanction all volleyball-related activities on Cameroon’s national territory. This authority is enshrined in the federation’s statutes and supported by directives from the Ministry of Sports and the National Olympic Committee, as well as the regulations of continental and international volleyball bodies.
No activity organised outside this framework will be recognised or produce any sporting or administrative effect.
The federation has reaffirmed its commitment to republican legality, the protection of athletes and clubs, and the integrity of Cameroon’s sporting movement. It has called on all stakeholders to comply strictly with existing regulations and to refrain from participating in any unauthorised initiatives, regardless of their form
