Cameroonian football is once again embroiled in controversy as Ernest Obama, the former spokesperson for Samuel Eto’o at the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has made serious allegations regarding the organization’s internal dysfunction.
Speaking during a program on Bnews, Obama criticized the management of the federation, citing significant issues that threaten the effectiveness of its operations.
Harsh Criticism of Internal Operations
Obama, who worked closely with Eto’o during his tenure at FECAFOOT, did not hold back in his assessment of the federation.
“There are people who don’t understand football in the federation. There are people there who don’t have the level, people who don’t help the President,” he stated.
Although he refrained from naming specific individuals, Obama implied that certain staff members are obstructing Eto’o’s vision and reform efforts.
His remarks painted a picture of a federation plagued by inefficiency and a lack of expertise at critical levels of leadership.
Financial Mismanagement and Tensions with the Sports Ministry
Obama’s critique extended to the allocation of funds intended for clubs and players.
Recently, the Cameroonian government reclaimed oversight of subsidies, amounting to 23 million FCFA per club, to ensure greater transparency.
Obama, however, expressed skepticism about the move, suggesting the funds may still be misappropriated.
“You will see club presidents buying new cars with this money,” he warned, hinting at potential misuse of resources meant to benefit the game.
A Plea for Constructive Dialogue
Calling for reforms, Obama emphasized the need for open and productive discussions to address the federation’s challenges.
He lamented the influence of what he described as “incompetent advisers,” whose decisions often undermine Eto’o’s leadership.
“Those who regularly mislead Samuel Eto’o by asking him to write to the secretary general of the presidency, this is not normal,” he added.
Persistent Crises and the Future of FECAFOOT
These revelations come amid ongoing disputes involving Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi and mounting dissatisfaction with FECAFOOT’s governance.
The accusations underscore the pressing need for structural reforms to restore public confidence and institutional integrity.
For many Cameroonians, the current crisis highlights deeper issues within national football governance.
The path forward will require transparency, accountability, and collaboration among FECAFOOT, the Ministry of Sports, and other key stakeholders.
As tensions escalate, the public remains watchful, hoping for meaningful changes that can rescue Cameroonian football from its recurring struggles with mismanagement and internal conflict.
️ Ernest Obama : «Il y a des gens qui ne comprennent pas le football à la fédération. Il y a des gens là bas qui n’ont pas de niveau, des gens qui n’aident pas le Président» #CFOOT
[Les Zeglisiens / pic.twitter.com/0MapCA1yzF
— CFOOT (@cfootcameroun) January 22, 2025
