In recent weeks, Cameroonian football has been experiencing unprecedented turbulence. At the helm of FECAFOOT, Samuel Eto’o is solidifying his position amidst the Marc Brys saga. After contesting Brys’ official appointment to FIFA, he has now taken another bold step to assert his authority over Cameroonian football.
In Cameroon, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education designated Marc Brys and his technical team to lead the national team, with the approval of the presidency. However, Samuel Eto’o refuses to recognize this technical team.
Samuel Eto’o challenges Marc Brys at FIFA
Although the name of the 62-year-old Belgian was spotted on FIFA’s platform as the coach of the Cameroon national team, FECAFOOT has requested FIFA to reconsider this modification. While on a tour in Europe to oversee players ahead of the upcoming Lions Indomptables gathering in June, Marc Brys finds himself in a delicate situation. Still not recognized by Samuel Eto’o, the FECAFOOT president, Eto’o argues that FECAFOOT was not consulted by the Ministry of Sports before Brys’ recruitment. As a result, the Belgian coach is still awaiting the official signing of his contract by the former striker. However, Eto’o refuses to sign any documents. Meanwhile, he is using his good relations to oust the former Louvain coach.
The pressure exerted by the First Lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya, to annul the engagement signed by the sexagenarian – due to the lack of a formal contract – perfectly illustrates this situation. Despite all government attempts to convince Eto’o, they have clearly resulted in a resounding failure, with the former Barcelona and Inter Milan star not yielding. Even FIFA now seems disoriented. After initially designating Marc Brys as the coach of the Lions Indomptables on its official website, the global football body reversed course and removed his name last Wednesday!
Samuel Eto’o’s latest significant move
This is likely a precautionary measure aimed at avoiding an escalation in the controversy. However, this reversal was emotionally received by some Cameroonian supporters, interpreting it as a victory for Eto’o. It remains to be seen what the outcome will be for the Lions Indomptables, who resume World Cup 2026 qualifiers in June.
As a reminder, Samuel Eto’o had been invited by FECAFOOT to form his own staff in response to Brys’ appointment. Eto’o’s stance indicates that this issue is far from over. Just hours ago, the Cameroonian Football Federation acted in this regard. Under the February 2015 MINSEP-FECAFOOT agreement, it has submitted a new list of the Lions Indomptables’ technical staff to the Ministry of Sports. Although no further information has been disclosed at the moment, our colleagues at Camerfoot have confirmed that there will be changes regarding the Ministry of Sports’ nominations.
Furthermore, Benoît Angwa continues to hold the position of coordinator of selections and has begun preparations for the 3rd and 4th round matches of next year’s World Cup qualifiers. The Lions Indomptables will face Cape Verde and Angola, possibly in Cameroon, perhaps at the Douala Reunification Stadium, and in Angola.
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