FIFA Dispute: Minister of Sports Responds Firmly to Samuel Eto'o's Letter

In response, Minister Mouelle Kombi's reply on Tuesday was unequivocal. While Eto'o claimed the right to appeal regarding the composition of the Indomitable Lions' technical staff, the Minister's response was firm. Mouelle Kombi made it clear to Eto'o that he was fully aware of FIFA's letter and the subsequent complaint letter sent by FECAFOOT:

"It would not be superficial if you could provide us with a copy of the letter sent by FIFA on April 6, 2024. This would enable us to better assess the quality, relevance, and suitability of the response sent to your request by the International Football Association on May 6, 2024."

Mouelle Kombi then accused FECAFOOT of selectively quoting passages from the FIFA letter while ignoring others. He believed that under the guise of appointing Brys, FECAFOOT was:

"Extracting only parts of FIFA's response that suit its own narrative while disregarding the rest. The response from FIFA unequivocally reaffirms the validity of the procedure instructed by the Government following the High Instructions from the President."

He further clarified that the legal basis for the appointment of technical, administrative, and medical staff of the Indomitable Lions was the MINSEP-FECAFOOT Convention of February 5, 2015. According to Article 9 of the Convention, the State, through MINSEP, has the authority to recruit and retain members of the national football team's entourage. Mouelle Kombi emphasized that no nomination could be made without prior notice from MINSEP.

FIFA's response, according to Mouelle Kombi, clearly supports this interpretation. He also issued a veiled warning to FECAFOOT, suggesting that discussions between FECAFOOT and MINSEP could be intensified, focusing on various subjects, including the use of public funds, player management, collaboration improvement, personnel training, remuneration, governance, and conflict prevention.

Mouelle Kombi concluded by urging unity regarding the selection of the Indomitable Lions and called on Eto'o to accept a meeting with Brys and to work collaboratively with him.

"In light of FIFA's agreement, FECAFOOT should fulfill its obligations under the MINSEP-FECAFOOT Convention to facilitate the work of the technical staff. I urge you to interpret FIFA's correspondence correctly and, in the best interest of the Indomitable Lions, to collaborate effectively with the Ministry of Sports and the technical support staff led by the new selector, Marc Brys.