The ruling follows the now-infamous scene on June 21 at the FECAFOOT Technical Centre in Odza, Yaoundé, where ISOHSA captain Arrey Jefter Oduak was violently headbutted by referee Bomba Martin during a match against Apejes of Mfou.
The Cameroon Football Federation’s Homologation and Disciplinary Committee has handed down heavy sanctions against Isle of Hope Sports Academy, ISOHSA, of Limbe. The ruling follows the now-infamous scene on June 21 at the FECAFOOT Technical Centre in Odza, Yaoundé, where ISOHSA captain Arrey Jefter Oduak was violently headbutted by referee Bomba Martin during a match against APEJES of Mfou. The clash descended into chaos after ISOHSA players staged a sit-down protest over a controversial penalty decision. Amid the confusion, team captain Arrey Jefter briefly left the pitch to consult with his technical bench. Upon returning, he was shown a red card by referee Martin.
What happened next shocked the nation—Jefter was headbutted in full view of players and spectators, leaving him unconscious and requiring immediate medical evacuation. The match was abandoned, and the football community responded with outrage. The National Union of Footballers of Cameroon, SYNAFOC, described the act as “barbaric,” demanding accountability. Despite this, the FECAFOOT disciplinary body has now ruled in favor of APEJES, declaring that ISOHSA forfeited the match and must suffer the consequences of abandonment. APEJES has been awarded a 3-0 victory along with the full three points. ISOHSA, on the other hand, has been fined 500,000 FCFA for that match and docked three points from their overall standings.
Additionally, the Limbe-based club has been slapped with another 500,000 FCFA fine for disorderly conduct during their opening playoff game against Fovu of Baham, bringing the total financial penalty to one million FCFA. ISOHSA had previously released a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as a pattern of unfair officiating, particularly in the second half of the season. The club’s management alleged that referee Bomba Martin not only acted violently but also made derogatory remarks regarding the team’s Anglophone identity claims that raise serious concerns in the context of Cameroon’s ongoing efforts toward peacebuilding and national unity.
“The events of Game Day 3 represent a distressing low point,” said club president Karl Njomo Mokake. “Referee Bomba Martin shockingly headbutted our skipper, Arrey Jefter, following a series of biased calls and insensitive remarks.” A haunting image from the abandoned match shows an ISOHSA player holding up a handwritten placard that read: “Our only crime is because we say no to corruption,” underscoring the club’s deep frustration with the footballing authorities. While ISOHSA’s skipper remains under medical supervision, no disciplinary action has yet been taken against referee Bomba Martin. FECAFOOT has maintained that investigations are ongoing, though many observers question the delay and the silence from top officials.
Elsewhere, the committee also ruled on a separate Elite One incident involving Dynamo of Douala and Gazelle FA. Their matchday 29 fixture in Garoua was abandoned after referees reported being targeted by projectiles thrown from the stands. The committee has awarded a 3-0 win to Dynamo, with Gazelle fined 500,000 FCFA for crowd misconduct. The series of rulings has sparked intense debate within the football community. While some view the decisions as a necessary enforcement of regulations, others argue that ISOHSA is being unfairly punished despite being the clear victim of violent officiating. Critics say the federation’s handling of the case risks sending the wrong message about justice and accountability in Cameroonian football.
As the dust begins to settle, one truth remains, the incident has become a defining moment in the conversation around player safety, referee conduct, and the integrity of domestic competitions. With stakes this high, all eyes remain on FECAFOOT to not only apply rules but uphold fairness and credibility in equal measure.
