Cameroon football feud turns comical as Samuel Eto’o-led FECAFOOT withholds training kit

Samuel Eto'o and Marc Brys path ways.

Cameroon football feud turns comical as Samuel Eto’o-led FECAFOOT withholds training kit

Joel Omotto 17:28 - 03.06.2024

Conflict has resurfaced between Cameroon Football Association and the country’s Sports Ministry with Fecafoot withholding the players’ training kits days after a ‘truce’ was reached.

Tensions between the Cameroon Ministry of Sports (Minsep) and the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) have reignited following the appointment of coach Marc Brys, marking another chapter in their ongoing feud.

Fecafoot, spearheaded by Cameroon legend and president Samuel Eto'o, has seemingly retaliated against the government's perceived slight. The latest episode unfolded last Sunday at the Hilton hotel in Yaounde during the reception of selected players to the national team.

An unsettling scene ensued as both Fecafoot and Minsep staffs clashed over the handling of the players. Despite Minsep having already reserved rooms for the delegation, Fecafoot's presence led to a dispute, ultimately requiring police intervention to diffuse the situation.

In a further display of defiance, Fecafoot withheld the Indomitable Lions' training equipment from the Ministry staff on Monday, leaving the players without official attire for their morning walk.

The debacle cast uncertainty over the team's preparations for upcoming matches against Cape Verde on June 7 and Angola on June 11 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Amidst the chaos, reports surfaced indicating that several Fecafoot members, including Idriss Carlos Kameni, Dr. Fotso Gwabap Patrick, and Dr. Tinkeu Nguimgou Narcisse, were integrated into the Minsep staff.

Kameni purportedly assumed the role of assistant to goalkeeper coach Alioum Boukar, while the others were appointed as assistants to Dr. William Ngatchou and physical trainer Christophe Manouvrier, respectively.

However, the appointments appeared to bypass deputy coaches Martin Ndtoungou Mpile and David Pagou, raising further questions about the power dynamics within the coaching setup.

As the conflict between Fecafoot and Minsep persists, the Indomitable Lions find themselves caught in the crossfire, jeopardising their preparation and performance in crucial matches.

The situation underscores the need for resolution to ensure the stability and success of Cameroon's national football programme.

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