Days follow each other similarly for Samuel Eto’o. The president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot) once again finds himself handling a delicate situation.
Recently, the former Barcelona striker has faced criticism from the press for not issuing an international transfer certificate for young defender Rony Mimb Baheng (19 years old). He has also had to deal with a strike by regional referees due to unpaid remunerations.
Today, he is accused of not fulfilling his campaign promises. Before his election, Eto’o had promised decent and respectful working conditions for players in the local league. However, according to a report from the National Union of Cameroonian Footballers (SYNAFOC), revealed by Lattaquant.com, only a minority of clubs in the Cameroonian top division (Elite One) meet their salary obligations to players. Most are significantly delayed or worse.
Clubs in distress Among the worst offenders are Fovu de Baham and AS Fortuna, unable to fully pay their players’ salaries for a given month. YOSA has only paid salaries once this season.
Apejes de Mfou and Avion Academy de Douala are even worse off, with no salaries paid since the start of the season. Only US Loum has managed decently after clearing its salary arrears. Women’s football also affected Women’s football is not spared either. No players in the Guinness Super League (Cameroonian women’s D1) received salaries in May.
The financial situation of Cameroonian clubs is worrying, and the living conditions of players, who aspire to make a living from their profession, are deteriorating. Faced with this precarious situation, many could seek opportunities abroad or switch to another field.
A healthy local league, with players treated fairly and in accordance with the law, is crucial for the future of Cameroonian football. Samuel Eto’o will need to find solutions quickly, although Fécafoot is not solely responsible. SYNAFOC and the government also have roles to play in addressing this situation.
Leave a Reply