A shocking incident on the night of September 2, 2024, has brought to light a deepening rift between FECAFOOT, led by football legend Samuel Eto’o, and the Cameroonian government.
Five key players of the Indomitable Lions—Franck Zambo Anguissa, Bryan Mbeumo, Christopher Wooh, Frank Magri, and Simon Ngapandouetnbu—found themselves at the center of this power struggle when they were unexpectedly blocked at Douala airport and redirected by police to a different hotel than originally planned.
The players, who had adhered to FECAFOOT’s travel arrangements, were initially set to check in at the Falaise Hotel in Douala.
However, upon arrival, they were intercepted by police officers, who appeared to be acting under orders from the Ministry of Sports. The players were then forcibly escorted to the Best Western Hotel in Douala before being transported to Yaoundé, where they were housed at the Hilton Hotel—a location seemingly favored by the Ministry.
This incident is emblematic of a broader conflict between FECAFOOT, the body officially recognized by CAF (Confederation of African Football) and FIFA, and the Ministry of Sports.
The Ministry’s actions, which include overriding FECAFOOT’s logistical decisions, have sparked concerns about potential sanctions from CAF.
Such consequences could severely impact Cameroon’s participation in upcoming international tournaments, including the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The divide has also extended to the coaching staff and players, with head coach Marc Brys and several team members aligning themselves with the Ministry of Sports.
This growing rift threatens to undermine team cohesion, particularly with crucial AFCON qualifiers against Namibia and Zimbabwe on the horizon.
As tensions escalate, the situation underscores the complexities of sports governance in Cameroon. The ongoing struggle for control between FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports could have far-reaching implications, not only for the national team’s performance but also for Cameroon’s reputation in international football. The potential for sanctions from CAF looms large if the two sides cannot reach an amicable resolution.
With the situation still unfolding, all eyes are on how this power struggle will be resolved and what impact it will have on Cameroon’s footballing future.
