The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification is fast approaching and the troubles at the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) don’t seem to be coming to an end as the Ministry of Sports doesn’t seem to find amicable ground with FECAFOOT.
WHAT OCCURRED
Since the departure of former Indomitable Lions’ coach Rigobert Song, stability in Cameroonian football has remained shaky, particularly amidst government interference in the federation’s affairs, notably seen in the appointment of a new coach without FECAFOOT’s consent.
In the latest scandal at the FECAFOOT headquarters in Yaounde on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Federation president Samuel Eto’o invited newly appointed Belgian coach Marc Brys for a working session ahead of Cameroon’s World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde on June 8, 2024. However, the session turned into chaos.
Initially, tensions rose between a Ministry of Sports representative, Mr. Tollo, who accompanied Marc Brys without FECAFOOT’s invitation. While FECAFOOT had summoned only Marc Brys, it was understandable that he was accompanied by the ministry team, as he was appointed by the ministry.
“Here, you don’t have that authority. Whenever I come to the ministry, I respect you. Over here, I’m the boss. I’m the only boss, and you can’t do that,” Samuel Eto’o addressed the Ministry of Sports representative.
Disagreeing, the ministry representative informed Eto’o that he couldn’t communicate with the coach, citing orders from their superior, Minister of Sports Kombi. Eto’o reiterated his authority and demanded respect.
Following a heated exchange, Eto’o instructed security to escort Tollo from the premises. Eto’o then engaged in a direct conversation with the coach, resulting in further tension between Eto’o and Brys.
After a heated exchange between the two of them, Eto’o instructed security to remove Tollo from the building. Eto’o then proceeded to speak directly to the coach, who seemed to have much to say, leading to a heated exchange between Eto’o and Brys.
The Conversation between Eto’o and Marc Brys:
Samuel Eto’o: “Welcome to your home coach”
Marc Brys: “I’ve been in Cameroon for two months, where were you?”
Samuel Eto’o: “Welcome home. Are you okay? Are you okay?”
A few seconds later…
Marc Brys: “I’m leaving too. I’m a coach so I have nothing to do here.”
Samuel Eto’o: “No, no, you’re a coach because I appointed you.” You are not a coach because someone else appointed you. You have missed a lot and I request you to stay in this meeting. Please don’t make me ask my committee for advice.”
Marc Brys: “You’re the president but you’ve never been the coach.”
Samuel Eto’o: “I was a coach!”
Marc Brys: “Yes, for three weeks”
Samuel Eto’o: “If you leave, don’t come back!”
Full Video of Heated Encounter Between Eto’o and Marc Brys
The future of Cameroon Football remains uncertain. However, it’s evident that Samuel Eto’o is engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Ministry of Sports, a matter that requires prompt resolution. We will continue to provide updates on this evolving situation.
As for the possibility of Cameroon appointing a new coach and dismissing Marc Brys, or Brys resigning, it’s difficult to speculate at this point. What do you think?
