Wandering Cameroon players suspended

YAOUNDE (Reuters) -- Cameroon football authorities have toughened their stance against errant players by banning eight for registering with more than one club this season, officials said on Monday.

The Cameroon Football Federation announced one-year bans for the second division players who had moved between clubs without following proper transfer procedures.

The players were Celestin Diudier Belibi of ASMY Ebolowa, Bertand Mbang and Jean Pierre Talom of Electsport Limbe, Frederic Sali and Frederic Tchami of Girondins Ngaoundere, Ernest Epane and Alain William Yetgoue of Aigle Dschang and Felix Doba Mala from Etoile Filante Garoua.

Poor record-keeping and limited media coverage have led to officials seldom dealing with the issue in the past, despite repeated protests over the years from clubs whose players walk out to join other teams.

Last week, three players from former domestic champions Canon Yaounde were banned for an assault on a referee earlier this month.

Canon captain Georges Nomo Ambassa and Linus Etondi were banned for a year for punching the referee and an assistant linesman during a super league match against champions Cotonsport in Garoua on November 4.

Tabi Eyeya was banned for six months.

Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.