Criticisms Mount Over Governance of Chad's Football Federation

The governance of Chad's football federation has come under scrutiny, with criticisms of a lack of transparency and an over-reliance on disciplinary actions. Adjib Koulamallah, a jurist and football stakeholder, has expressed concerns over the federation's approach, citing the recent exclusion of Mont-Guéra from the playoffs and the different treatment of a similar incident involving FC Yves. Koulamallah's comments were made on his Facebook page, where he questioned the consistency of the federation's decisions.

The controversy surrounding the federation's governance has been brewing for 20 months, since Tahir Oloy Hassan took over as head of the Fédération tchadienne de football. Despite initial promises of reform, the federation has been criticized for its handling of various incidents, including the exclusion of five international players and the suspension of a senator for eight years. Koulamallah argues that the federation's actions have created an environment where those who contest decisions are sanctioned or excluded.

Koulamallah draws parallels between the current situation and the crisis of 2015-2016, when a dispute between Gazelle FC and the federation led to the Tribunal arbitral du sport (TAS) annulling several decisions. He calls for greater transparency and independence in the treatment of disputes, including the publication of an audit that was promised but not delivered. According to Koulamallah, a strong federation does not need to silence its critics, but rather needs independent judges to ensure fairness.

The recent exclusion of Mont-Guéra from the playoffs has sparked controversy, with the club contesting the decision and citing its direct appeal to the TAS. This move has been seen as a provocation by some, given that FC Yves, whose president is also the head of the federation, finished top of the N'Djamena championship. The different treatment of a similar incident in Bongor, which resulted in a replay on a neutral field, has also been criticized.

Koulamallah's concerns are shared by others who argue that the federation's actions have created a culture of fear and silence. The fact that the federation has been criticized for prioritizing sanctions over dialogue has raised questions about its commitment to fair play and transparency. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the federation will respond to these criticisms and whether it will take steps to address the concerns of its stakeholders.

The implications of the federation's governance extend beyond the football community, with some arguing that it reflects a broader lack of transparency and accountability in Chad's sports administration. The country's sports ministry has been involved in mediating some of the disputes, but it remains to be seen whether it will take a more active role in addressing the underlying issues. For now, the focus remains on the federation and its need to restore trust and credibility.

In conclusion, the criticisms surrounding the governance of Chad's football federation highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the country's sports administration. As Adjib Koulamallah noted, "the disorder is not over, it has just changed form." The federation's response to these criticisms will be crucial in determining the future of football in Chad and restoring trust in the sport.

Key points

• The governance of Chad's football federation has come under scrutiny over disciplinary actions and lack of transparency.