The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has suspended goalkeeper Andre Onana for disciplinary reasons and kicked him out of their World Cup camp in Qatar.
The federation confirmed last night in an official statement that the Inter Milan goalkeeper was dropped from the Group G clash against Serbia over disciplinary issues.
Onana was the first choice for the Indomitable Lions’ opening game against Switzerland last week but he was not in the matchday squad yesterday as they fought back to a 3-3 draw with Serbia.
“The Cameroon Football Federation hereby informs the public that following Mr. Rigobert Song Bahanag’s decision, head coach of the Indomitable Lions, the player Andre Onana has been temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons,” the statement said.
“The Cameroon Football Federation reiterates its full support to the head coach and his entire staff as they implement the federation’s policy aimed at preserving discipline, solidarity, complementarity and cohesion within the national team.
“FECAFOOT further reaffirms its commitment to create a peaceful atmosphere for the team and to provide them with adequate facilities for an outstanding performance.”
Unconfirmed reports claimed the 26-year-old Onana, who recently served a lengthy ban for doping offences while playing for Ajax, fell out with Song over tactics.
Onana, who has 34 caps, left Qatar today and will fly to Paris, from where he will head to Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital city.
Song, who featured for and captained the Indomitable Lions in his active days, explained that the decision to drop Onana was for the benefit of the team.
“He is a very important player but we are in a competition and my role is to put the team first ahead of an individual,” the former Liverpool defender said during his post-match press conference last night.
“He is one of the best keepers in Europe. This is not about his performances but you have to preserve the squad.
“Maybe we needed a strong signal. It’s a big risk that I took. But I’m the dad of these kids so when I have to take risks and make decisions, I do that and I stand by what I do.”
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