The ongoing feud between the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) and Indomitable Lions head coach Marc Brys has intensified, with Fecafoot officially levelling 18 allegations against the Belgian coach, escalating tensions that threaten the stability of the national team.
In a formal complaint submitted to the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (Minsep)—the body responsible for appointing Brys despite Fecafoot’s opposition—the federation outlined a series of alleged breaches that paint a picture of defiance and non-cooperation.
Fecafoot’s Case: A Breakdown of the Allegations
The 18-point document accuses Brys of systematically undermining the federation’s authority. The charges include:
- Refusal to Collaborate: Fecafoot claims Brys has consistently ignored federation protocols by skipping official meetings, failing to submit player reports, and withholding squad lists containing vital information.
- Marketing Violations: The coach is accused of violating the federation’s marketing charter, potentially compromising agreements with key sponsors.
- Disrespect Toward Governing Bodies: Brys allegedly refused to work with staff appointed by Fecafoot and has made public statements deemed disrespectful towards the federation.
- Disciplinary Issues: One specific incident cited includes an alleged breach of protocol during a match against Zimbabwe, where Brys is accused of showing a lack of respect during the national anthem.
In light of these claims, Fecafoot has urged Minsep to intervene and either bring the coach in line or take more decisive action if his conduct remains unchanged by March 14, 2025.
“His continuous disregard for the federation’s structures poses a serious threat to the unity and integrity of the national team,” Fecafoot warned in its statement, suggesting that Brys’ “provocative and defiant” behaviour undermines the team’s cohesion.
Brys’ Camp Strikes Back: “Fecafoot Is Not His Employer”
The coach’s camp was quick to retaliate. Brys’ agent, Ivo Chi, dismissed the accusations, arguing that Fecafoot has no legal standing to issue such demands.
“I negotiated the coach’s contract with the Ministry of Sports, which is his official contractual partner.
In the copies of the contract that I have in my possession, Fecafoot is not mentioned as his employer,” Chi stated firmly.
According to the Brys camp, Fecafoot’s attempt to assert control over the coach oversteps its legal authority.
The agent maintained that Brys is accountable solely to Minsep, not the football federation, framing Fecafoot’s accusations as both unfounded and irrelevant.
A Crisis Threatening Cameroon’s World Cup Preparations
This power struggle comes at a crucial time as Cameroon gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The ongoing discord between Fecafoot, led by its president Samuel Eto’o, and the Ministry of Sports has cast a shadow over the Indomitable Lions’ preparations, raising concerns about the team’s readiness for future international competitions.
While Fecafoot has demanded that the Ministry take action against Brys, the strained relationship between the federation and Minsep makes such an outcome unlikely.
Analysts suggest that the Ministry is unlikely to side with Fecafoot, given the growing tensions between the two entities.
For now, the future of Cameroon’s national team remains uncertain, with this institutional crisis deepening divisions at the heart of Cameroonian football.
Whether Minsep chooses to defend Brys or seeks a resolution that satisfies both sides, the ongoing feud threatens to destabilize the Indomitable Lions at a critical juncture.
