Cameroon: FECAFOOT Boss Samuel Eto’o Rejects 7-year Mandate

Eto'o became the FECAFOOT president in December 2021, and his mandate should have lasted four years but the General Assembly wanted to prolong it to 2028

By Boris Esono Nwenfor & Sonita Ngunyi Nwohtazie

BUEA, May 27, 2023 – Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, President Samuel Eto’o has rejected the wish of the General Assembly that increased the mandate from 4 to 7 years at the helm of the football governing body in Cameroon.

During the FECAFOOT general assembly last year, the members voted for the upward revision of the president's mandate, something that did not go down well with other football stakeholders in the country. They point out the "grabbing" of power of the present FECAFOOT regime.

Speaking at the FECAFOOT General Assembly on May 27, 2023, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaounde, the former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea striker said: "…Any work of foundation must take into account the principles and values ​​that should be respected. One of these principles commands not to change the rule of the game during the game. That's why I beg you, kindly reduce to 4 years the duration of our mandate."

“Cameroonian football is standing. Let's work to bring it back to the roof of the continent and among the best in the world. Where is our place? Everyone must contribute to their level.”

Samuel Eto'o became the FECAFOOT president in December 2021, and his mandate should have lasted four years but the General Assembly of FECAFOOT wanted to prolong it to 2028.

Eto’o at odds with MINSEP Boss over Onana’s return

In April this year, Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi wrote a letter addressed to Inter Milan Football Club, asking for Andre Onana’s return to the National Football Team.

The Sports Minister asked the Football Club to, “allow this talented goalkeeper, who has so far been one of the strong links of this team, to satisfy his desire and continue to represent his country of origin.”

Cameroon's then first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana was suspended during the FIFA Qatar World Cup for disciplinary reasons after he was left out of the squad for their 3-3 draw with Serbia at the World Cup.

Onana was marked as "absent" on the team sheet, with head coach Rigobert Song saying he had to "put the team first ahead of an individual" amid reports of a falling-out over tactics.”

FECAFOOT President Eto'o in this manner reiterated that it is only the Head Coach, Rigobert Song that has the mandate to call Andre Onana back to the national team. He said: "…But let me be clear: a group without rules or discipline is a group doomed to failure. A selection which has two sides has no direction.”

Samuel Eto’o added: “Napoleon said that "To win a war, one bad general is better than two good ". It was therefore the duty of the President of the Federation to support the Manager-Selector in his Steps. In full competition, it was necessary to protect the group and avoid destabilization of the Indomitable Lions. A provisional sanction has been imposed on the player.”

“In the end, the return of Andre Onana to the national team depends on the Manager Selector. It is he and he alone who decides the selection of players.”