Cameroon Football Federation (Fécafoot) president Samuel Eto’o made a surprising gesture of reconciliation towards the country’s Minister of Sports, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, during the 2024 Cameroonian Ballon d’Or ceremony in Yaoundé.
The prestigious event, held at the Yaoundé Convention Center on Friday, celebrated the achievements of Cameroon’s football stars.
However, the evening’s most notable moment came during Eto’o’s opening speech, where the former Indomitable Lions captain expressed gratitude to Mouelle Kombi, a figure with whom he has been embroiled in a series of disputes in recent months.
Eto’o’s public acknowledgment of the minister caught many by surprise, given the pair’s well-documented clashes, particularly regarding the contentious appointment of Marc Brys as head coach of the national team.
Acknowledging Past Differences
Despite their strained relationship, Eto’o used his platform to commend Mouelle Kombi’s role in fostering improvements within Cameroonian football.
“It is true that my boss and I had seen certain situations from slightly opposite angles. But that is what is good because it allows us to improve.
Mr. Minister, the president of one of your federations would like to thank you; thank you for allowing us to improve,” Eto’o declared.
The gesture marked a stark contrast to the heated exchanges that had previously defined their relationship, with the Fécafoot president adopting a more conciliatory tone.
Tensions Over Marc Brys Appointment
Relations between Fécafoot and the Ministry of Sports had reached a breaking point following the appointment of Belgian coach Marc Brys earlier in the year.
The decision sparked a power struggle between the two bodies, casting uncertainty over the leadership of the national team.
However, Eto’o’s latest remarks signal a willingness to ease tensions, with the former striker seemingly prioritising stability as Cameroon prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
Signs of Reconciliation
This is not the first time the two figures have shown signs of rapprochement. During the Cameroon Cup final in September 2023, Eto’o and Mouelle Kombi were seen side by side, a rare display of unity following months of discord.
While the recent thaw in relations offers a glimmer of hope, lingering tensions remain. Eto’o’s decision to retain Brys as coach despite previous disagreements suggests a pragmatic approach as Fécafoot seeks to restore calm within the organisation.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this newfound cooperation will endure, with the fate of Cameroonian football hinging on the ability of its key stakeholders to set aside their differences for the greater good.
🎥 Samuel Eto’o et le Ministre des Sports le Pr Mouelle Kombi lors de la cérémonie du Ballon d’Or. 🤝🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/curhjH778B
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) March 1, 2025
