The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has reignited tensions over the compensation owed to former national team coach Toni Conceição, formally requesting proof of payment from the country’s Ministry of Sports (MINSEP).
FECAFOOT challenges state’s commitment
In a letter dated March 20, FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o addressed Sports Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, seeking confirmation that the Cameroonian government had fulfilled its commitment to pay Conceição’s €1.85 million compensation for unfair dismissal.
The move comes after Conceição’s legal team once again brought the case before FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, citing non-payment of the agreed sum.
The dispute traces back to February 21, when MINSEP issued a statement asserting that the Cameroonian state had taken responsibility for the payment, effectively sidelining FECAFOOT from the financial obligation.
However, as the payment deadline of March 24 has now passed without clear confirmation of settlement, FECAFOOT is demanding evidence to present to FIFA in order to avoid potential disciplinary measures.
FIFA sanctions loom over Cameroon
Eto’o’s letter underscores the urgency of the situation, warning that FIFA could impose further sanctions if the outstanding sum is not settled.
Cameroon is already facing a 20% retention of its development funding until the debt is cleared.
More significantly, the national team risks being docked points in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a penalty that could severely impact their chances of securing a place at the tournament.
“I have the honor to request from your kindness, proof of payment by the State of Cameroon of the sums owed to Mr. Antonio Conceiçao da Silva Oliveira for the proper information of the Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, who was again contacted on March 7, 2025 by Mr. Conceiçao’s counsel, to indicate that to date, no diligence has been carried out with regard to the payment,” Eto’o stated in his letter.
The case has already passed through multiple legal stages, with FIFA, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and the Swiss Federal Court all ruling in favor of Conceição.
Despite these verdicts, Cameroon has yet to comply fully with the financial ruling, leading to renewed threats of international sanctions.
With FECAFOOT now pressing the government for clarity, the battle over Conceição’s compensation appears far from over.
As the World Cup qualifiers continue, Cameroon faces not only an administrative crisis but also the possibility of seeing their hopes of qualification jeopardized by a costly and prolonged legal dispute.
