BBC Sport,Yaounde
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| Cameroon Sports Minister Adoum Garoua |
Cameroon Sports Minister Adoum Garoua has backed down on his decision
to block elections at the country's football federation (Fecafoot).
Garoua was forced into the climbdown by Fifa who warned that his move was tantamount to government interference.
The world governing body takes a dim view of government involvement in football matters.
Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke had given the minister until 9 April to reverse his ban or else.
Garoua suspended the elections in a highly
controversial move on 26 March, saying the poll would not be held until a
consultation exercise initiated by his office had run its course.
He justified his decision by asking Fecafoot to give
his ministry "time to open enlarged consultations so as to streamline
the electoral process."
But in a letter to the Fecafoot president Iya Mohammed,
Garoua gave the green light for elections to take place without delay.
"I have the honour to invite you to proceed with the
electoral calendar of your federation in respect of the national
legislature and principles of international sports.
"I equally ask that necessary precautions be taken to
avoid the disturbance or menace of public order that can arise through
the organisation of such elections," Garoua wrote.
Although the ban has been lifted, Garoua has said that
the "enlarged consultation would continue from April 9-23 in my
ministry."
BBC Sports understands that Confederation of African
Football president Issa Hayatou - himself a Cameroonian - advised
President Paul Biya following Fifa's threat.
The Cameroon government has a long history of conflict
with Fecafoot, with some of the country's football legends calling for
change at the federation.
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