FECAFOOT Dispute: Samuel Eto’o Declines To Sign Contract With Govt-Appointed Coach

• Tensions rise in Cameroon as Samuel Eto’o rejects the appointment of Belgian coach Marc Brys.
• The dispute underscores power struggles between the government and the football association.
• Nevertheless, Brys remains hopeful of resolving the conflict and preparing the team for the WC qualifiers.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Tensions are rising in Cameroon as Samuel Eto’o, the head of FECAFOOT, declines to sign the contract of Belgian coach Marc Brys, who was appointed by the country’s President.

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The conflict between Cameroon’s FA president, Samuel Eto’o, and the government regarding the appointment of Indomitable Lions coach Marc Brys is intensifying.

Cameroon President Paul Biya appointed Belgian coach Marc Brys based on recommendations from the country’s Sports Ministry, without involvement from FECAFOOT, the football association led by legendary striker Eto’o.

Biya asserted his authority by stating that he would personally select Cameroon’s coach after Rigobert Song’s departure.

However, this decision didn’t sit well with Eto’o and his team, who believe they should have the authority to make that choice.

The Sports Ministry proceeded to recruit Brys, along with two assistants, Joachim Mununga and Giannis Xilouris, with a monthly budget of €40,000 allocated for their salaries under a two-year contract.

FECAFOOT Logo

However, Eto’o and his team rejected the move and even failed to attend the coach’s unveiling.

FECAFOOT have also refused to complete the formalities required to allow the tactician to begin his work, leading to a standoff.

“I have read somewhere that I have not signed a contract,” Brys told the media as per Kick442 regarding reports that FECAFOOT have not signed his deal.

“But I do have one! I am open to discussion, attentive, positive, but the locker room is the place of the coach.”

“His technical staff and the players, and into which neither the Sports Ministry nor FECAFOOT enters.”

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon

Brys remains optimistic about meeting Eto’o and his team to resolve the contentious issues.

“I am ready to work with the federation and its president, in the interest of the national team and the country.

“I hope to meet him [Eto’o], like I said before. But I’m not the type to chase people, because I have to focus on the team and players for the next games,” he added.

Despite the standoff, Brys has persisted in meeting players whom he plans to integrate into the squad, as Cameroon prepares to face Cape Verde and Angola in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.

Further Reading 

• Dortmund Beat PSG 2-0 On Aggregate To Reach First UCL Final In 11 Years
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In Group D, the Indomitable Lions lead with four points, the same as Cape Verde and Libya, while Angola has two points, Mauritius one, and Eswatini remains without any points.

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