The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has summoned the Indomitable Lions’ coach, Belgian-born Marc Brys. The summons are in a communique made public on May 24 by FECAFOOT Secretary General, Blaise Djounang.
According to the communique, Brys is expected to report to FECAFOOT headquarters on Tuesday, May 28th, at 9:00 AM.
“We kindly request your participation in a working session to be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM at the headquarters of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) located in Tsinga,” reads the communique.
While the official agenda remains undisclosed, sports fans speculate that the recent ruling regarding the team’s assistant coaches will be a central point. Additionally, the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are likely to be discussed.
On May 21st, the Conciliation and Arbitration Chamber of the National Olympic and Sports Committee overturned FECAFOOT’s appointments for assistant coaches. The Chamber emphasized the Ministry of Sports’ authority in national sports administration.
This ruling mandate that the Ministry’s appointed technical, administrative, and medical staff will now assist Brys. FECAFOOT, however, has expressed concern over a potential FIFA suspension due to what they perceive as “hidden interests” motivating the decision.
FECAFOOT acknowledged the Court of Arbitration’s decision but expressed concerns about its adherence to legal procedures. Consequently, they suspended the appointment of Marc Brys as Cameroon national team coach.
However in a note to President of the National Olympic and Sports Committee, Col. Kalaba Malboum, Eto’o, highlighted the potential ramifications of a suspension. He argued that such an action would not only harm the athletes but also damage Cameroon’s global sporting reputation.
“Mr. President,” the note reads, “everyone in the role they play will have to face up to their responsibilities regarding the risk of suspension that we are putting our country under in favour of hidden interests in defiance of the texts taken by Mr. President of the Republic, Head of State.”
Since Brys’ appointment, FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports have been locked in a disagreement regarding the appointment of national team officials. Neither party appears willing to back down.
Cameroon faces two crucial World Cup qualifiers in June, but sports pundits warn that the ongoing standoff between the football federation and the Ministry of Sports could significantly jeopardize their chances of starting the campaign on a strong footing.