Rigobert Song’s Appointment as Central African Republic Coach Sparks Controversy

Former Cameroon national team coach Rigobert Song has become embroiled in a bitter power struggle between the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the Central African Football Federation (FCF), after being named head coach of Bas-Oubangui, the national football team of the Central African Republic (CAR).

The FCF President Célestin Yanindji has refused to approve the decision, arguing that only the federation has the power to name a national coach, despite Minister Rodolphe Héritier Doneng's announcement of Song's appointment.

Yanindji put off, for the time being, Song’s contract signing, which was originally set for January 15, saying, “The federation’s executive committee is solely responsible for the recruitment of a coach.” Despite the conflict, Song remains confident in his position and says his aim is to lead CAR to victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament.

In an interview, Song seemed to have the government's back. The dispute between the government and sports federations over power distribution is not new to Song and is similar to the conflicts he faced in Cameroon. March sees CAR prepare for important games, and at 48, his official term is still in doubt.