Systems and methods for improving conditions for anion contaminant removal in a cathode of a PEMFC system are presented. A fuel cell system consistent with certain embodiments may include a cathode compartment having a compressor coupled thereto. The compressor may be configured to receive an input cathode gas via a compressor input and supply the input cathode gas to the cathode compartment via a compressor output. The fuel cell system may further include a cathode gas recirculation value coupled to the cathode compartment configured to receive a cathode exhaust gas output and to selectively provide at least a portion of the cathode exhaust gas output to the compressor input. Consistent with certain embodiments disclosed herein, the compressor may be further configured to supply at least a portion of the cathode exhaust gas output to the cathode compartment via the compressor output.