Cameroon football: New coach appointment sparks controversy amid federation tensions
The recent appointments in Cameroon’s football landscape have stirred controversy and raised eyebrows, particularly within the federation and its prominent figure, Samuel Eto’o, following the surprise announcement of Marc Brys as the national team’s coach.
On Tuesday evening, the Cameroonian Ministry of Sports unveiled Belgian coach Marc Brys, 61, as the new head of the Indomitable Lions, a decision perceived by many as a cost-effective move to avoid extravagant spending on high-profile names like Hervé Renard or José Mourinho.
However, beyond the surface, the appointment hints at deeper tensions within the Cameroonian football federation (Fecafoot) and its president, Samuel Eto’o, who has been embroiled in controversies for months.
The Fecafoot expressed dismay over what it sees as governmental interference, as it claims to have been blindsided by Brys’ appointment, announced simultaneously with the public.
Moreover, the Ministry of Sports made another move that directly challenged Eto’o’s authority by appointing Benjamin Banlong, a former Fecafoot official dismissed by Eto’o during his tenure as secretary-general, as the coordinator of the national teams.
This decision, made without prior consultation with Fecafoot, underscores the simmering tensions between the federation and the government.
The swift succession of these appointments, coupled with the evident disregard for Fecafoot’s input, has exacerbated concerns within the Cameroonian football community, raising questions about the stability and effectiveness of the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders await further developments and hope for a resolution that prioritizes the interests of Cameroonian football and fosters collaboration between the government and the federation.
However, for now, the shadow of discord looms large over the future of football in Cameroon.
Cameroun : étonnée, la Fecafoot demande des comptes pour le nouveau sélectionneur ! https://t.co/WS1kPF18J1 pic.twitter.com/vsvHMSNgXZ
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) April 3, 2024
