Cameroon’s football legend and current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has officially addressed recent financial and political controversies. In a decisive move, Eto’o has written to the Minister of State, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, clarifying financial matters related to the maintenance of stadiums used during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In a letter dated Thursday, Eto’o acknowledged a correspondence from Ngoh Ngoh, which instructed the Minister of Finance to urgently release funds amounting to 18,042,300 FCFA.
These funds were designated to cover upkeep, maintenance, and operational costs for the stadiums used during Cameroon’s match against Cape Verde on June 8, 2024, in Yaoundé.
Eto’o’s letter stated, “We acknowledge receipt of your correspondence mentioned in the subject line, by which you instruct the Minister of Finance to release in emergency procedure and make available to ONIES the sum of 18,042,300 FCFA to cover the costs of ‘upkeep, maintenance and operation of the stadiums for the Cameroon-Cape Verde meeting on June 8, 2024.’”
He further clarified that FECAFOOT had already paid 16,792,300 FCFA for the same purpose on June 3, 2024.
The discrepancy between the invoiced and paid amounts, he explained, was due to Cape Verde postponing their arrival, which reduced the number of training sessions and thus the field occupancy.
Despite these logistical challenges, Cameroon managed to complete the last two days of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
However, tensions between Eto’o and the Minister of Sports persist.
In a candid Instagram post, Eto’o addressed his supporters and detractors alike, expressing gratitude for the support and setting the record straight on his political intentions.
“My dear friends, what would I be without your affection? I am blessed to count my friends in the millions.
How many legions are there to shield me from the adversity that stalks me? You plead my case when lies harass me.
You defend me against the defamation that wants to destroy me.
You stand in the way when bad faith overwhelms me. I thank you very much,” Eto’o wrote.
He continued, “I have dedicated my life to football. A player from my childhood to adulthood and, today, a sports manager, I gave the best of myself.
Elected at the head of FECAFOOT, I strive to improve our football.
I work twenty hours a day to provide our youth with the amenities that my generation lacked. It is a meaning given to my life to pass on and serve my cadets.”
Eto’o also addressed rumors about his political ambitions: “Yes, in 2018, I voted for President Paul Biya. And I maintain my unwavering support for him.
I assume! And no, I will not let anyone deprive me of my rights as a citizen.
As far as I am concerned, let us be clear: the presidency of FECAFOOT is not a springboard to access the Presidency of the Republic.
I repeat it loud and clear: I, Samuel Eto’o son, am not a candidate for the presidency of Cameroon.
This clarification seems necessary to me to stop this unhealthy focus on my modest self.
It makes my family suffer, scares my friends, hinders our sporting project and poses a threat to my safety.”
Eto’o’s decisive statements aim to quell speculations and focus attention back on his dedication to Cameroonian football.
As FECAFOOT continues to navigate these challenges, the football community watches closely, anticipating the impact of Eto’o’s leadership and the future of the sport in Cameroon.
