Samuel Eto'o: "I Don't Earn a Salary from FECAFOOT – It's All for Cameroonian Football

However, his tenure has been anything but smooth, marked by controversy, accusations, and an ongoing struggle to reform the institution he leads.

A Selfless Leader or Misunderstood?

Samuel Eto'o, now serving as the President of FECAFOOT, has made it clear that his position is not about personal gain. In a recent interview on The Bridge Show, Eto'o revealed that he does not earn a salary from his role. "I don’t make any money from the Federation. I don’t need the money," Eto'o stated emphatically. He further elaborated that in times of financial strain, he often dips into his own pockets to ensure that things continue to run smoothly within the organization. "These are sacrifices I make, and I don’t talk about them," he added, highlighting his commitment to the sport and the nation.

This revelation comes amidst swirling rumors and accusations that have clouded his presidency. Eto'o acknowledges the existence of "hijackers" – individuals who spread misinformation and attempt to tarnish his reputation. He described them as people "who talk nonsense" and later contradict themselves. Despite the noise, Eto'o maintains that he knows the truth, and that knowledge keeps him grounded and focused on his mission.

The Challenges of Reformation

Eto'o's leadership of FECAFOOT has been marked by his attempts to overhaul a system deeply ingrained in inefficiency and corruption. "In Africa, people need to stop thinking with their emotions," he asserted, emphasizing the need for a more business-oriented approach to football administration. Eto'o's vision for FECAFOOT is to transform it from a passive recipient of FIFA funds into a self-sustaining institution. However, he has faced resistance from those entrenched in the old ways, who view the Federation as a source of personal gain rather than a vehicle for national development.

One of the most striking aspects of Eto'o's leadership style is his insistence on accountability. He recounted an incident where he insisted that all attendees of a football match purchase tickets, much to the chagrin of some who accused him of being too strict. "How can I finance football?" he asked rhetorically, pointing out that even small steps like ensuring ticket sales are essential for the Federation's financial health.

Battling Public Perception

Despite his efforts, Eto'o's presidency has not been without its detractors. His strict approach and business-first mentality have rubbed some the wrong way, leading to a barrage of criticism. Yet, Eto'o remains unfazed. "I don’t need to change my image," he said, stressing that his priority is not public approval but staying true to his principles. "If you’re strong, you don’t live for other people; you live for yourself, your values."

Eto'o's vision extends beyond FECAFOOT. He sees his work as part of a broader mission to change the way Africa approaches football and business. He is particularly focused on ensuring that African clubs receive fair compensation for their players, citing the vast disparity between initial transfer fees paid by European clubs and the subsequent resale values. "Africa loses a lot of money," he lamented, pointing to the need for a more business-savvy approach to player development and transfers.

A Vision for the Future

For Eto'o, the fight is not just about reforming FECAFOOT but also about transforming the entire football ecosystem in Cameroon and Africa. He dreams of creating an environment akin to what he experienced during his professional career in Europe. "There’s potential in Cameroon, there’s talent in Africa, but what’s missing is structure," he explained. Eto'o believes that by instilling proper management and business practices, African football can thrive on the global stage.

Yet, Eto'o is also keenly aware of the enormity of the task before him. He acknowledges that the road to reform is fraught with challenges, not least of which is overcoming the mindset that has long held back African football. "In Africa, people sleep way too much," he remarked, noting that fear of change often paralyzes progress. But Eto'o remains undeterred. "I have to move forward because I know where I’m going."

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

As Samuel Eto'o continues his tenure as FECAFOOT President, he does so with a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to his principles. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on his mission to reform Cameroonian football and, by extension, contribute to the development of the sport across Africa. Whether history will remember him as a transformative leader or a misunderstood figure remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Eto'o is not in it for the money, and he is not backing down. His legacy, like his career, will be defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his refusal to compromise on his values.