Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) president Samuel Eto’o has moved to de-escalate tensions surrounding the future of national team coach Marc Brys by cancelling an executive committee meeting that was expected to decide the Belgian’s fate.
The highly anticipated meeting, originally scheduled for March 14, was set to address Fecafoot’s growing discontent with Brys, who has been at the center of a dispute over his appointment and authority.
However, in a gesture aimed at restoring calm, Eto’o announced the cancellation, signaling an attempt to ease the standoff within Cameroonian football.
Dispute over authority
The controversy surrounding Brys stems from his appointment, which was overseen by Cameroon’s Ministry of Sports rather than Fecafoot.
The federation has repeatedly expressed frustration that the Belgian coach does not recognize Fecafoot as his direct employer, instead aligning himself with the ministry.
Despite these tensions, Eto’o has decided to take a step back, citing the importance of national unity and adherence to the directives of President Paul Biya.
We must work towards a peaceful atmosphere in Cameroonian football, Eto’o stated, emphasizing the need for stability within the national team setup.
Brys remains in charge – for now
With the executive committee meeting called off, Brys is expected to remain in charge of the Indomitable Lions until the end of his contract.
The move suggests a temporary truce in the ongoing power struggle between Fecafoot and the government over control of the national team.
While Fecafoot has not hidden its dissatisfaction with Brys, the federation’s decision to avoid an immediate confrontation could help stabilize the national team’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Cameroon’s squad will need full focus as they look to secure their place in the tournament, making internal disputes an unwelcome distraction.
A fragile peace
Despite this temporary resolution, the underlying tensions between Fecafoot and the Ministry of Sports remain unresolved.
The battle over administrative authority could resurface in the near future, particularly if results on the pitch fail to meet expectations.
For now, the focus shifts back to football, with Brys continuing his work as head coach.
Whether this marks the beginning of a more collaborative relationship or simply a delay in an inevitable showdown remains to be seen.
