Chihana shuns Flames talk

Youth and Sports Minister Enock Chihana, who has of late been keeping a low profile, says he will no longer be poking his nose into Flames’ affairs, fearing Fifa’s wrath.

Chihana made his position on Monday when asked for government’s position on the issue of the Flames’ interim coach Tom Saintfiet and preparations for the 2014 World Cup African qualifier this September in Nigeria.

“I have left everything in the hands of FAM. The moment you start commenting, Fifa will says this is government interference. Let FAM manage the game as long as they do so in the interest of the people because government represents the interest of the people,” he said on Monday.

Until recently, Chihana was in the forefront tackling issues of the Flames and their coaches, at times promising to arrange friendlies.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu could not be reached on whether there were some Fifa warnings over government interference.

Of late, Fifa has been expelling member associations such as the Cameroun Football Federation over government interference in elections. The suspension has since been lifted .

Commenting on interference, Thierry Regenass, Fifa’s director of member associations and development, said member associations such as FAM have the mandate to manage, control and develop football.

“The most common case of political interference is when a government perceives that the Executive Committee of the national association is not performing well enough and decides to take action. Often, because the national team is losing too many games, they decide that changes must be made and want to put someone else in charge,” Regenass told www.fifa.com.

“However, we are not against governments, nor do we encourage our member associations to work in opposition of their governments. On the contrary – we constantly try to establish a good atmosphere and co-operation with governments.”