Ondoa “Pays Price” For Supporting Russia At The 2022 World Cup

Having had the chance to play for Cameroon in the 2022 World Cup with appearances from the bench against Switzerland and Serbia, Cameroon’s Gaël Ondoua is going through a difficult season with his club-side Hannover.

In all, the 27-year-old midfielder has played just 50 minutes with Hannover 96 in Bundesliga 2.

The situation took an even more problematic twist at the beginning of March when the player was asked to train with the U23s.

While he was an undisputable starter last season, the Indomitable Lion has put forward an astonishing explanation to justify his lack of game time. According to him, there is nothing sporty about it.

“I think the reasons are clear. Everyone saw what happened after the World Cup. I was registered at the club as a Russian citizen,” added the native of Yaounde in remarks reported by the German media Bild.

“I think a man should always have his own truth and his opinion. And right now, I’m paying the price.”

Indeed, Ondoa grew up in Russia, where he was trained at Lokomotiv Moscow and has an unfailing love for his second homeland, whose flag he proudly displays on his match boots, alongside that of Cameroon. In the current context, with the war in Ukraine, Ondoa claims to be a scapegoat.

However, Gael ondoa’s accusations were dismissed by the sporting director of his club, Marcus Mann. “Gaël makes himself less credible with each statement”, Mann lamented, highlighting the case of midfielder Max Besuschkow, who also has Russian nationality and plays regularly.

One thing is certain: the point of no return has been reached between the two parties and Ondoa could well pack his bags even before the end of his contract next June.