JUST IN: Former Chelsea star banned for 5 years from football after clashing with a former Chelsea striker (See Why)
Former Chelsea star Geremi Njitap has been banned from all football-related activities for five years by the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), following a clash involving Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Geremi, who captains the Cameroon footballers’ union Synafoc, found himself in hot water after a dressing-room altercation with one of Eto’o’s aides during the tournament.
Fecafoot’s ethics committee concluded that Geremi had violated its code of ethics and handed the former midfielder a suspension that runs until 2030, along with a £13,000 fine.
The fallout didn’t stop with Geremi. His assistant at Synafoc, Daniel Blaise Ngos, was also sanctioned, receiving a two-year ban and a £6,500 fine for his role in the dispute.
This development marks a major setback for Geremi, 46, who has remained active in football governance since hanging up his boots. He is expected to appeal the decision within the 10-day window provided.
Geremi enjoyed a glittering playing career, famously winning two Premier League titles with Chelsea under Jose Mourinho and a La Liga title with Real Madrid. On the international stage, he was a stalwart for Cameroon, earning 118 caps, winning Olympic gold in 2000, and lifting the Africa Cup of Nations twice.
Chelsea fans will remember Geremi not just for his consistency and versatility on the pitch, but also for his leadership qualities. This latest news will come as a shock to many, especially given his continued contributions to football in his post-playing career.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Geremi can overturn the decision and continue his advocacy work for players’ rights in Cameroon.