The organization of the Cameroonian Ballon d'Or, an event soon to be held at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé, raises questions about its credibility. Jean Ediegnie, a Cameroonian writer, offers seven tips to Samuel Eto'o, president of FECAFOOT, to strengthen the legitimacy of this ceremony.
Ediegnie first suggests entrusting the organization to a structure independent of the federation, similar to the UNFP Trophies in France, which are managed by the players' union. He proposes giving a central role to SYNAFOC (National Union of Cameroonian Footballers) to guarantee a reward by peers, which is more valuable than an administrative distinction.
The transparency of the selection process is the second point raised. Ediegnie insists on the need to clarify the criteria and selection stages to avoid vagueness and strengthen public confidence.
He then recommends that the president of the federation not be the central face of the ceremony, but rather an institutional authority who opens and honors, without monopolizing the presentation of prizes. The objective is to dissociate the reward from the power in place, thus favoring sporting merit.
Ediegnie also warns against the politicization of the event and the intrusions of personalities far removed from the field. He calls for refocusing the ceremony on the actors of the local championship, transforming the Ballon d'Or into a real celebration of the players rather than a showcase of protocol.
The writer insists on the importance of strengthening the international visibility and media coverage of the Ballon d'Or, stressing that too few winners have seen their careers take off after their coronation, due to lack of exposure. He encourages FECAFOOT to use its platforms to promote the event and the rewarded players.
Finally, Ediegnie pleads for a professionalization of the organization, prepared throughout the year, and for concrete rewards that are useful to the players' careers, like the UNFP trophies which increase the market value of the players.
In summary, Jean Ediegnie calls for building lasting institutions that value Cameroonian football beyond individual mandates. The 2025 Cameroonian Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held on February 27 at the Palais des Sports in Yaoundé. The winners of this edition will receive considerable rewards, including vehicles and land.
