International Draughts Federation suspends Cameroon.

The suspension of the Cameroon Draughts Federation is as a result of the non-payment of bonuses to players of the national draughts selection that won the African Senior Draughts Championship in Yaounde in November 2021.

“Following several complaints received, we regret to announce that the Executive Committee of the International Draughts Federation(FMDJ) has decided to suspend your federation from all activities and manifestation of FMDJ with immediate effect and until further notice.

This suspension is principally as a result of the non-payment of bonuses to players since 2021 for the African Championship organised in Yaounde

Despite several demands and reminders from the Executive Committee to this effect for more than one year, no serious action or proposal has been taken till date” Vice President in charge of International Relations at the International Draughts Federation, Richard Przewozniak said in the suspension note.

To the world drafts governing body, “we cannot accept that a competition organised under the auspices of FMDJ is mired in such irregularities,”. 

Przewozniak said while hoping that a satisfactory solution will be found, the suspension will be submitted for the appraisal of the General Assembly of the International Draughts Federation during a meeting to hold in France next May 5.

Cameroon champion in draft switches nationality 

The suspension of the Cameroon Draughts Federation comes less than a month after the country’s champion in the discipline, Thomy Mbongo, announced nationality switch.

In an open letter addressed to the Cameroonian people on March 17, 2023, the famous professional checkers player and International Master (MI), announced his change of nationality to become French. 

He said his decision is the result of several years of frustration and hesitation in the face of difficulties encountered in the Cameroonian sports community.

Mbongo began his career in the game of checkers at the age of 7 and thanks to his hard work and passion for the sport, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an International Master.

However, Thomy Mbongo's laudatory journey has not been without obstacles. In his letter, he deplores the attitude of some officials and actors of the game of checkers in Cameroon, who work for their own selfish interests to the detriment of the community and the sport. 

“…after spending more than 20 years in the field of checkers(drafts) in Cameroon, I realised that some officials and actors in this discipline are not sincere and work only for their own selfish interests to the detriment of the good of the community and our noble game”.

The player also points to the mismanagement of the finances of the Cameroon Drafts Federation and the lack of solidarity between high-level players.

“In addition, the Cameroon Drafts Federation badly manages the state finances allocated to checkers. These funds are not used to truly promote this sport at the national and local level. As proof, for example, our African champion bonuses in 2021 with Cameroon are still not paid”. 

Among the reasons that led him to opt for French nationality, Thomy Mbongo mentions the limited opportunities for ascension to the title of International Grand Master (GMI) within the Cameroonian federation and the lack of vision for the future of youth in the discipline in Cameroon.

In his over 20 years of practice, the Cameroonian sport personality has won several medals and trophies at the international level.