Remembering When FIFA Penalised Indomitable Lions of Cameroon for Wearing Unitard Kit

• On October 13, 2006, FIFA handed Cameroon a six-point penalty for a uniform violation
• The unitard kit was a follow-up to the loved but controversial sleeveless kit worn in 2002
• Puma have always supported African football and just signed a sponsorship deal with CAF

Sometimes innovation draws the ire of authorities. Throughout their partnership, kit manufacturer, Puma pushed Cameroon to the limits of football fashion.

The sleeveless shirts of the early 2000s were a thing of beauty, but it was their unitard kit a few years later that dropped them in the hottest water.

Cameroon wore the unitard kit at the 2004 African Cup of Nations and while it appeared to look like separate shorts and shirts, the top and bottom sections were sown together.

During the group stages, the team and Puma were told to make alternative arrangements but the kit suppliers were unable to provide a replacement in the timeframe specified.

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Cameroon went ahead and wore the kit again in their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria and FIFA was not impressed.

The governing body took action against the West African nation and the kit supplier for being in violation of a rule stating all sections of the kit need to be separate items.

Per This Day In Football History, FIFA handed down the belated punishment to Cameroon on October 13, 2006, penalising them six points in their 2008 AFCON qualifying group.

On appeal, the deduction was rescinded and the Indomitable Lions qualified for the tournament in Ghana, even making the final where they were beaten 1-0 by Egypt.

Puma continued to produce striking kits for Cameroon, allowing them to remain the trendiest team on the continent.

Sadly, the stylish duo parted ways in 2019, leaving behind a string of memorable memories of attire both on and off the pitch, as listed by SoccerBible.

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A Cameroon kit on every continent

Sports Brief recently reported on how the Cameroon kit has travelled the world as a fashion accessory.

Brentford owner, Matthew Benham was spotted in the country's jersey on the last day of the EPL season.

He was presented with the Cameroon jersey by Bryan Mbuemo, who had netted nine goals for the Bees.