Samuel Eto’o, serving as the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), finds himself embroiled in a new controversy in the country.
Eto’o has come under scrutiny from the media regarding the delayed issuance of the international transfer certificate for young defender Rony Mimb Baheng, aged 19.
This issue has now been compounded by a strike initiated by local referees, leading to the postponement of the return phase of preliminaries scheduled for June 20 by the Littoral Regional League, as reported by Camfoot.
The referees’ strike stems from a dispute over unpaid remuneration, with claims amounting to two years’ worth of salaries and bonuses totaling 10 million FCFA (approximately 15,246 euros).
A statement from the referees emphasized that a resolution hinges on the settlement of these outstanding payments, for which Fecafoot, responsible for financing the regional leagues, is directly accountable.
As of now, Fecafoot has not issued a formal response to these financial demands.
Failure to address the referees’ grievances promptly could escalate tensions within the federation, potentially leading to further confrontations with domestic stakeholders.
This development unfolds amid ongoing tensions between Fecafoot and the Ministry of Sports concerning the technical staff of the national team, the Indomitable Lions.
Despite a temporary lull following the recent World Cup qualifiers, disagreements persist unresolved, highlighting broader challenges within Cameroonian football administration.
Samuel Eto’o, a renowned figure in African football, faces increasing pressure to navigate these turbulent waters effectively.
His tenure as Fecafoot president has been marked by efforts to stabilize the federation and enhance football development across Cameroon.
However, the current disputes underscore the complexities and financial strains confronting football governance in the country.
Looking ahead, swift and decisive action from Fecafoot could be crucial in resolving the referees’ strike and mitigating further disruptions to the domestic football calendar.
As stakeholders await developments, the spotlight remains firmly on Eto’o and the federation’s ability to manage these internal challenges while maintaining focus on advancing Cameroon’s footballing ambitions on both national and international stages.
Littoral : les arbitres lâchent Samuel Eto’o https://t.co/Jl2qNj2g6W pic.twitter.com/LWYSwG0EG4
— Camfoot (@CamfootCom) June 19, 2024
