Wouldn't count the chickens yet, FIFA is final authority and unless he meant FIFA told Eloundou to precede with VISA process, it means nothing.
Good point, but the earlier article from the Cameroonian newspaper (which we have no idea if its the equivalent of the Wall Street Journal or the Weekly World News) mentioned that one of the things going back and forth was U.S. Soccer's willingness to sponsor visas for Cameroonian players if the Cameroonian FA (FECAFOOT) screwed MLS and the Rapids on this one. So if he's having a visa meeting it may be a sign that U.S. Soccer is confident on the resolution.
Sorry fail to see how this will do anything. It's a FIFA, Cameronian/ US Federations level. Chris Bianchi @Rapids_News 26m Also: Bravo says he's applied for a visa to go to Cameroon to solve Eloundou drama. Wants to speak with him personally.
It may not speed up the process but it does serve the purpose of gauging the interest of Eloundou. If Bravo speaks directly to him he may know whether the pursue Eloundou further or drop interest. The whole thing is a little squirrelly and I don't know legally what the Rapids are or aren't entitled to. To me it just seems like a kid caught in the crosshairs of a scrupulous agency and club that have ulterior motives none of which are beneficial to Eloundou
This sounds like the team making sure the kid actually wants to come here at this point, after hearing rumors (from an agent? FECAFOOT?) that he doesn't. Not a positive sign in any case, clearly FIFA hasn't found this to be a black and white decison, otherwise they would have ruled by now.
Would love to hear MLS's view on this situation. Wonder how willing they will be for next kid from Africa who wants to sign a deal to play here.
I get the frustration; but who's "they"? The only entity that we might say is at fault is the Cameroonian FA, and they will certainly not feel they owe the Rapids anything. Besides, their dealings have been with FIFA and MLS. Time to cut our losses and sign a proven player, which I don't think we can say Eloundou is at this point.
As much as I think MLS dropped the ball on this, it hasn't actually cost us anything. Until we get Eloundou's ITC he doesn't count as a rostered player against either the roster or salary cap. There haven't been any other lotteries yet (which we would be ineligible for since we won Eloundou) so we haven't missed out on anything there. About the only cost would be in roster planning on the assumption that we had a young striker on the roster, leading us to focus on other areas, but given the complications I would hope HBP (Hinchey/Bravo/Pareja) weren't counting on him when they were planning.
I think the intent for Eloundou was always to be a wing player. He is Fast, short and quick as I recall from info when this first came out.
Some how we missed all this. Cameroon FA president (who is in jail for embezellment) is also founder of Coton Sport FC the club team he was on http://blogs.denverpost.com/rapids/...eloundou-as-the-transfer-gets-stranger/25099/ The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) recently re-elected Iya Mohammed as its president, even though he is in prison for misappropriating state funds while working as the director general of the publicly-owned Coton Development Company. FIFA president Sepp Blatter congratulated Mohammed about his re-election, according to reports. Mohammed is also a founder of Coton Sport FC.
Just goes to show you what a piece of shit Blatter is --- that he openly supports a crook. Then again, as the old saying goes: Birds of a feather flock together..............
Found an actual picture of him at: http://www.45fois2.com/actusdiv.php?idpost=20130510190952 The translation is odd but here's what he's saying: At the beginning of the season 2012 - 2013 in Elite one, you were announced bound for the U.S. champion.What is this? This is an issue to follow. I can not answer questions about my career. My manager is better placed to answer you. Ask him the question. I'm just a player. If you ask me to sign a contract, I would. I have no problem with that. Our colleagues mboafootball relayed that you are taken hostage in Garoua and your passport is confiscated.Can you confirm this information? No, no, no! Behold, I am free, I do what I want! I do not know who gave this information know. But this is not true. You are in possession of your passport? Yes, I have my passport with me.
Another article is at: http://www.cameroon-info.net/storie...sionnel-le-cauchemar-de-charles-eloundou.html
Did I read that right, Cameroon govt was restricting all access to the HQ? As Stuart said you just can't make this shit up!
Not to be a total creeper, but I had to look him up on Facebook. Lots of pictures of him there. Yeah, that definitely came off creepy.
Have to say i have a better feeling that Bravo might just return with him when he visits there shortly.