Cameroon’s Football Federation (Fecafoot), under the leadership of Samuel Eto’o, has initiated a major campaign to combat the spread of counterfeit Indomitable Lions jerseys following the recent launch of the national team’s new kit by supplier Fourteen.
In response to the rapid appearance of fake jerseys on local markets, Fecafoot has partnered with the General Directorate of Customs to implement a nationwide crackdown aimed at protecting the integrity of the brand and the Federation’s revenue model.
The initiative, formalised through a cooperation agreement signed in early April, will intensify inspections at all entry points into the country—including land, sea, and air borders—with the aim of intercepting illicit imports.
Speaking on the campaign, a source close to the Fecafoot president said: “We want every supporter to wear an official product, worthy of the Lions.” The message is clear: counterfeits will no longer be tolerated.
Strategic Alliance with Customs
At the heart of this effort is Fecafoot’s collaboration with customs chief Fongod Edwin Nuvaga. His department will receive specialised training to help officers identify and seize counterfeit versions of the Fourteen jersey.
This targeted approach aims not only to curb illegal imports but also to dismantle the informal networks that profit from unlicensed merchandise.
The partnership is a direct response to the Federation’s economic concerns. Since signing with Fourteen, Fecafoot has made the distribution and sale of official kits a pillar of its strategy for financial independence. However, the proliferation of counterfeits is jeopardising that vision.
Economic Stakes and Public Support
For many legitimate traders, the move has been welcomed as a long-overdue intervention. Market vendors have expressed frustration over the growing presence of counterfeit jerseys, which they say undercut their sales and threaten the viability of legal business.
“This initiative is not just about protecting a brand—it’s about safeguarding livelihoods,” said one vendor in Douala. “We pay taxes and buy stock legally, but we can’t compete with street sellers offering fake shirts at half the price.”
The economic stakes are significant. Fecafoot has heavily invested in its partnership with Fourteen, seeing it as a symbol of a new era in Cameroonian football, both on and off the pitch.
The sale of authentic jerseys is a key revenue stream for the Federation, which is working to reduce its reliance on external funding.
Eto’o’s Broader Vision
Samuel Eto’o, a vocal advocate for reform and professionalism within Cameroonian football, sees the campaign as part of a broader mission. By defending the authenticity of the national team’s image, he hopes to instil pride and responsibility among fans, while ensuring that proceeds from official merchandise support the development of the sport domestically.
The battle against counterfeits is far from symbolic. For Eto’o, it represents a tangible test of Fecafoot’s resolve to enforce standards and assert control over the commercial aspects of the game.
With enforcement mechanisms now in place and public messaging gaining momentum, Fecafoot is expected to roll out a series of awareness campaigns in the coming weeks to educate consumers on the importance of purchasing official merchandise.
As the Indomitable Lions prepare for upcoming international fixtures, the off-field battle to protect their brand is already underway. For Eto’o and Fecafoot, this is more than a fight against counterfeiters—it’s a defence of national pride.
