By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
On Saturday, October 31, in Yaoundé, a rugby event organized by Barrister Patrice Monthé, former President of the Cameroon Rugby Federation (FECARUGBY), sparked debate over whether he has chosen to ignore his suspension by the continental body, Rugby Afrique.
Barrister Monthé was reportedly suspended on November 15, 2025, by the Legal and Disciplinary Commission of Rugby Afrique, alongside several officials and members involved in the management and electoral process of the sport’s governing body in Cameroon.
The five-year ban covers all rugby-related activities and, under Article 30 of the federation’s statutes, had also make him ineligible to serve as FECARUGBY President.
Against that backdrop, many are asking how someone balled from all rugby activities last year could organize an event in the name of Cameroonian rugby. It is worth noting that the gathering was a solemn reception in honor of the Cameroonian Rugby Association (ACR), whose team made a splash in June by winning the Africus Shield in Gabon.
Presenting himself as President and stressing the need to place grassroots players at the center of the renewal of Cameroonian rugby, Barrister Monthé conveyed the federation’s gratitude by distributing significant financial bonuses to the players and technical staff.
Since then, the discussion has spread well beyond Yaoundé to other parts of the country, with many wonderings how this could be happening and whether the man suspended last year has simply brushed aside the decision of the continental body.
One sports reporter said he was surprised when he learned of the event, since he knew Barrister Monthé had been suspended from all rugby activities for five years. “This is not good and I want to believe that there are consequences for that,” he said.
A sports fan, Edwin stated that he believes legal action should be taken against the former President, arguing that the five-year period is far from over and that the situation does not reflect well on the country.
Barrister Monthé was not the only official affected. Other members of the federation were also suspended, with their sanctions ranging from three to four years.
The ruling, issued on November 15, 2025, also targeted the federation itself. After reviewing the case, the commission immediately suspended FECARUGBY from all activities, competitions and decision-making bodies, as well as from representation within Rugby Africa and World Rugby. A second decision invited Cameroon’s Ministry of Sports and Physical Education to work with Rugby Africa to establish a Transitional Management Committee within 30 days.
Since the contested election of Barrister Patrice Monthé on December 28, 2024, domestic competition activities have remained completely stalled. Instead, conflict has erupted between Barrister Monthé and a two-thirds majority of the Executive Bureau, who accuse him of financial embezzlement, poor collaboration, and non-compliance with the Cameroon Rugby Federation’s statutes.
With the October 31 event now fueling controversy, sports fans are waiting to see how the authorities, Rugby Afrique and World Rugby will respond.