Samuel Eto’o stands alone as FECAFOOT presidential candidate amidst controversy

Amid significant controversy, Samuel Eto’o remains the only candidate allowed to run for re-election as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot).

Despite a suspension of the electoral process ordered by the Ministry of Sports due to reported irregularities, Eto’o moves forward undeterred, while all his competitors, including Gilles Christian Ngnize, Kalgong Georges, Heumo Leudjeu Yianick, and Oumarou Moussa, have been disqualified. Only Eto’o’s candidacy officially stands.

Adding to Eto’o’s support, his brothers, Etienne and David, were elected in regional leagues, along with close ally Céline Eko, recently re-appointed to FIFA’s executive committee.

The ministry, worried about rising tensions and what it terms as “a brewing crisis” blamed on local actors’ resentment towards Eto’o, has requested the Ministry of Territorial Administration to ban the upcoming Fecafoot elective assembly. Authorities cite targeted exclusion, arbitrary disqualification of candidates, and inclusion of fictitious clubs and leagues as their reasons.

“This temporary measure will allow all parties to calmly consider the possibility of organizing a consensual, inclusive, peaceful, and transparent electoral process,” the ministry’s official statement reads.

Despite state intervention, FIFA prohibits governmental interference in football matters, leaving Eto’o’s path largely unobstructed unless he withdraws himself. Cameroon now waits as the affair unfolds, with the next crucial date set for November 29 in Yaoundé.