Cameroon: Samuel Eto’o issues stark warning to Marc Brys as new Fecafoot term begins in turmoil
Samuel Eto’o used his first address after securing a second four-year mandate as president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) to deliver an uncompromising message that left little doubt about where his authority now stands — and who he intends to confront.
No player will be above Cameroon anymore. No coach will be above Cameroon anymore. Anyone who wants to defend the Cameroon jersey must accept that Cameroon is above him. If he does not accept it, I will take responsibility, he told delegates, his tone firm and unyielding.
His remarks underscored the tension hanging over Cameroonian football after months of political infighting, public feuds, and accusations traded across the media.
The atmosphere around his re-election was marked by protests and fierce disagreements, reflecting how contested his leadership has become.
Brys firmly in the crosshairs
Although Eto’o did not name Marc Brys directly, the intended recipient of his declaration was widely understood.
Since the Belgian coach was appointed by the Ministry of Sports — a move that bypassed Fecafoot and angered the federation president — the relationship between the two men has been strained.
Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after being knocked out by the Democratic Republic of Congo only deepened the rift.
Local reports suggest Eto’o is already exploring ways to remove Brys before the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the Ministry, which finances the national team setup and installed Brys in the first place, may refuse to sanction such a decision.
The coach’s future, therefore, rests not on performance or sporting considerations but on the ongoing power struggle between federation and state.
A new term echoing old battles
Eto’o’s combative stance indicates his second term may mirror the confrontations that defined his first.
He views himself as the figure who must restore order, discipline, and national authority within Cameroonian football.
🎥 Samuel Eto’o : « Aucun joueur ne sera plus au-dessus du Cameroun. Aucun entraîneur ne sera plus au-dessus du Cameroun. Celui qui veut défendre le maillot du Cameroun devra accepter que le Cameroun est au-dessus de lui. S’il ne l’accepte pas, je prendrai mes responsabilités ».… pic.twitter.com/tpce28Tz4t
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) November 29, 2025
Critics, however, accuse him of adopting heavy-handed tactics that risk destabilising the national team rather than strengthening it.
His latest remarks also revive memories of past clashes with players who resisted federation directives, including threats of suspension during previous disputes in 2024.
What is clear is that the turbulence within Cameroonian football has not subsided with Eto’o’s re-election.
Instead, the fault lines are widening, and his opening message signals a presidency prepared for confrontation rather than conciliation.
