FECAFOOT Emergency Committee Meets to Address Minister of Sports' Ultimatum

The meeting, chaired by FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto'o and attended by the four vice-presidents, aimed to address the recent developments surrounding the appointment of Marc Brys as the new coach of the Indomitable Lions.

Le Monde obtained a letter sent by FECAFOOT to the Minister of Sports on March 12, signed by Samuel Eto'o, which detailed the names of potential coaches, including Renard, Peseiro, and Cannavaro, along with their CVs and salary demands. Despite reports indicating interviews with these coaches, they were part of an initial shortlist before the selection was narrowed down to Brys, Yves Venderhaege, and Czeslaw Michniewicz.

Cyrille Tollo, advisor to the Minister of Sports, provided insights into the remuneration of the new coach, revealing that Brys requested two assistants, Joachim Minunga and Giannis Xilouris, with a combined monthly salary of 40,000 euros. Additionally, the state will cover the salaries of other coaching staff and selection management, as per usual practice.

Tollo criticized Eto'o for his handling of the situation, citing Eto'o's dismissal of former coach Antonio Conceiçao in 2022 and subsequent appointment of Rigobert Song with presidential approval. The government views FECAFOOT's statements as a direct challenge to the president's authority, emphasizing that the decision to appoint Brys rests with the head of state, not the Minister of Sports.

The tensions between FECAFOOT and the government underscore broader issues surrounding governance and decision-making within Cameroon's football administration. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching for further developments and potential resolutions to the ongoing dispute.