Cameroon’s National Union of Footballers (Synafoc), led by former international Geremi Njitap, has voiced its opinion on the state subsidies recently disbursed to clubs in the first and second division.
In a pointed statement, the union took the opportunity to highlight concerns with the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), headed by Samuel Eto’o, accusing it of mismanagement.
A total of €853,714.5 was confirmed as allocated to clubs by Fecafoot, with the decision subsequently supported by Cameroon’s Ministry of Sports.
However, the process has not been without controversy, as disputes have arisen over the methods of distribution and accountability.
Geremi’s Criticism of Eto’o’s Leadership
Synafoc, under Geremi’s leadership, welcomed the direct intervention of the state, describing it as a necessary corrective measure.
In a press release, the union expressed satisfaction with the government’s approach, while taking a veiled swipe at Fecafoot for alleged mismanagement of funds in previous seasons.
“It [Synafoc] reminds for all useful purposes that the expected intervention of the public authorities finds its origin in the calamitous, partial, and opaque redistribution, three seasons in a row, of the said subsidy,” the statement read.
The union emphasized that professional players have long called for transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds, which it claims have previously been misappropriated.
Synafoc praised the government for stepping in to ensure that the subsidies reach their intended recipients without interference.
“The professional players concerned, through the voice of their one and only representative, Synafoc, welcome the vigorous intervention of the public authorities who, through their prescriptions and orientations, have clarified the destination and the methods of distribution of the said funds so that they are no longer diverted by their holder,” the statement continued.
A Divisive Relationship
The criticism reflects growing tensions between Geremi and Eto’o, former teammates in Cameroon’s national team who now occupy influential roles in football administration.
While Fecafoot has been at the forefront of efforts to reform and develop football in the country, it has faced accusations of financial mismanagement under Eto’o’s leadership.
Synafoc’s statement highlights long-standing frustrations within the football community about the distribution of resources.
By publicly commending the state’s intervention, Geremi’s union has positioned itself as a champion of transparency, while implicitly questioning the credibility of Fecafoot’s governance.
As debates continue over the best path forward for Cameroonian football, the rift between Synafoc and Fecafoot remains a prominent feature of the sport’s administrative landscape.
