FIFPro honors Geremi Njitap amid rift with Samuel Eto’o

BY Issa Said
November 27, 2024
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The International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Associations (FIFPro) has awarded Cameroonian football union leader Geremi Njitap, weeks after his dismissal from the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) under the leadership of Samuel Eto’o.

Geremi, president of the National Union of Cameroonian Footballers (Synafoc), received FIFPro’s accolade for “the most impactful and inspiring union action of the year 2024” during an event held in Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday.

The recognition highlights Synafoc’s Salary Barometer initiative, which aims to regulate and bring transparency to the salaries of professional football players in Cameroon.

“This prize acknowledges the significant strides we’ve made in improving conditions for players,” Geremi stated in a press release, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in reshaping Cameroonian football.

Recognition Underscores Rift

The award, however, casts a spotlight on the increasingly strained relationship between Geremi and Eto’o, once close allies.

The Salary Barometer’s success places Synafoc ahead of competitors from Greece and Portugal, but it also appears to challenge Eto’o’s leadership at Fecafoot.

Critics see the honor as a rebuke to Eto’o, whose decision to sever ties with Geremi and Synafoc has been divisive.

The fallout between the two former teammates has been escalating. When Eto’o assumed the presidency of Fecafoot, he and Geremi were seen as partners in reforming Cameroonian football.

However, their relationship has deteriorated dramatically in recent years.

On November 15, Fecafoot’s Executive Committee (Comex) unanimously voted to revoke Synafoc’s membership and recognition, a move that many interpreted as a direct blow to Geremi.

The decision instead elevated the National Association of Cameroon Footballers (ANFC), led by Lucien Metomo, a known supporter of Eto’o, as Fecafoot’s official players’ union partner.

Broader Implications

This shift in alliances within Cameroonian football reflects deeper divisions over the direction of the sport in the country.

While Geremi’s innovative measures have earned international praise, Eto’o’s controversial leadership style continues to draw criticism.

The recognition from FIFPro not only highlights Geremi’s efforts but also underscores the tensions overshadowing football governance in Cameroon, raising questions about the balance of power and priorities within Fecafoot.