2024-07-10 06:56:58
The Cameroonian sports world is in shock following explosive revelations concerning the Cameroon Volleyball Federation (FECAVOLLEY). An anonymous open letter, published on 237online.com, accuses the president of the federation and several members of the management of systematic sexual abuse against female players. These allegations raise serious questions about the integrity of national volleyball and the protection of female athletes.
Damning accusations that shake FECAVOLLEY
The letter, allegedly written by a national team player, paints a horrifying picture of practices within the federation. It directly accuses President Bello Bourdanne of having sexual relations with at least four national team players, including during competitions.
« You alone sleep with more than 4 girls from the national team even during competitions,” says the anonymous author, adding that some players were even ” sent ” in France and Canada by the president.
A system of widespread abuse involving technical supervision
The accusations do not stop at the president. Coach Peter Nonnebroch is also being accused of having sexual relations with numerous female players, using his position to blackmail selection into the national team.
“Coach Peter slept with the captain during training and competition”the letter reveals, adding that even the young players of the U18 team were not spared from the abuses of the coaches and the administrative staff.
The Independent Commission of Inquiry: a masquerade?
Ironically, these revelations follow Bello Bourdanne’s announcement of the creation of an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the “breaches of ethics ” within the federation. The author of the letter expresses her skepticism about the impartiality of this commission:
“I just hope that you will not be the head of this Commission of Inquiry or that you will not appoint one of your friends. Because in fact, you are the first one who will have to appear before this Commission.”
A toxic climate that weighs on sports performance
Beyond sexual abuse, the letter also denounces a toxic environment within the national team. The girlfriends of the leaders are said to have imposed “a nauseating climate during training courses and competitions”while some players were reportedly not paid after the Yaoundé CAN, unlike others.
A call to break the silence and free speech
The anonymous author concludes her letter by expressing the hope that one of her teammates will have “the strength to free ourselves from this psychological burden with which we walk and which traumatizes us.”
This case raises many questions about the governance of sport in Cameroon and the protection of female athletes. It highlights the urgent need for a truly independent and transparent investigation to shed full light on these serious accusations.
The Ministry of Sports and the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Cameroon must now take their responsibilities to clean up the national volleyball environment and guarantee the safety and integrity of all players.