Unisport FC of Haut-Nkam has publicly disavowed a group of its supporters, ASIPO, who contested the appointment of certain referees for an MTN Elite One match. This challenge was motivated by the perceived ethnic proximity between the referees and the opposing team, Aigle Royal of the Menoua.
The executive board of Unisport, through its delegated president Fred Siewe, issued a statement to disassociate itself from this action. ASIPO had undertaken to challenge two referees appointed for the match against Aigle Royal of La Menoua, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The club's management strongly condemned this attempt to challenge the referees.
In its statement, the executive board of Unisport denounced these practices and reaffirmed its commitment to the values of sport, including respect for institutions, collaboration, and fair play. The club made it clear that it could not be held responsible for publications from unofficial sources not authorized by the executive board.
Unisport also reaffirmed its confidence in the governing bodies of Cameroonian football and pledged to accept the results of the match as they would be achieved on the field, in compliance with the rules of the game and sportsmanship.
Fred Siéwé reiterated that football must remain a vehicle for fraternity and healthy competition. The club condemned any form of unsportsmanlike agitation and called for calm, urging supporters to accept any result from the field.
"Unisport FC of Haut-Nkam remains focused on its main objective: the sporting influence of the Department through performance and integrity," the statement concludes. This case highlights the potential tensions surrounding issues of refereeing and ethnicity in Cameroonian football, and Unisport's desire to maintain exemplary behavior.
