In Cameroon, a new tension seems to be emerging within the Indomitable Lions, with rumors that Samuel Eto’o, the former soccer star and current President of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), has been banned from the team’s changing rooms.
According to several media outlets, including Sport News Africa, Belgian coach Marc Brys has formally forbidden Samuel Eto’o access to the Indomitable Lions dressing room.
In an interview with the New York Times, Rigobert Song’s successor revealed an unprecedented clause in his contract. This clause stipulates that no official, including the president of Fecafoot, can enter the players’ changing rooms. “In the past, people would enter the dressing room, so I blocked that in my contract… This is my house, the players’ house, a place where they should feel safe and be able to speak freely. It’s a much better environment,” explained Marc Brys.
Prior to his arrival, Samuel Eto’o had unrestricted access to the dressing rooms, a practice which the new coach believes is no longer acceptable. This decision comes against a backdrop of tense relations between Marc Brys and Fecafoot, particularly after a period of contestation linked to his appointment. The Cameroon federation had claimed that it had not been consulted when the Belgian coach was recruited, and had opposed his appointment.
During his interview, Marc Brys spoke of the difficulties encountered at the start of his mission, but insisted on his determination to concentrate on his work. “There have been disruptions, but I’ve chosen to focus on my role and not let myself be distracted. All my energy is directed towards working with the players and getting results,” he added.
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