In an atmosphere already charged with political and sporting stakes, Cameroonian football finds itself once again in turmoil. This time, controversy surrounds the surprising appointment of Marc Brys as the new coach of the Indomitable Lions, a decision announced by the Ministry of Sports, much to the chagrin of Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), who was not consulted beforehand.
Relatively unknown outside of Belgium, 61-year-old Marc Brys has been chosen as Cameroon’s new coach by the Ministry of Sports. The Belgian coach is expected to take the reins of the Indomitable Lions with his assistants, former Congolese player Joachim Mununga and Giannis Xilouris. Pushing the “provocation” even further, the ministry has included several members previously sidelined by Eto’o in the coaching staff, such as François Omam-Biyick.
On Wednesday evening, after 24 hours of deliberation, Fecafoot released a statement contesting the appointment of the coach, citing both local and international rules, with a firm declaration: “The Federation cannot recognize these appointments…” This communication marks a clear refusal to submit to a decision that, according to them, bypasses established protocols and threatens the autonomy of Fecafoot.
One selection, two coaching staffs?
In this climate of controversy, Samuel Eto’o’s determination seems unwavering. According to L’Equipe, the former Barcelona star reportedly told associates on Wednesday about his intention to form his own coaching staff, composed of local talent, “which would allow him to connect with a youth tired of European coaches,” according to the same source. Two coaching staffs for one national team would be unprecedented, and this situation would undoubtedly cause a great deal of confusion! If Eto’o indeed follows through with his stance…
It remains to be seen what the outcome of this new chapter in Cameroonian football will be, especially following the recent Nathan Douala affair.
