Former FECAFOOT Secretary General Abdouraman Hamadou Baba has made explosive accusations regarding the management of Cameroonian football, pointing to the influence of First Lady Chantal Biya in maintaining Samuel Eto'o at the head of the federation.
Invited on the set of the show L'Arène on Canal 2 International, Abdouraman Hamadou Baba did not mince his words. According to him, Samuel Eto'o benefits from strong political support, notably from the First Lady, who plays a decisive role in FECAFOOT's affairs. "What Samuel is doing is because he is supported by politics, by the First Lady," he declared, adding that Chantal Biya has "more power than a First Lady can have".
These statements come in a context of strong tensions and persistent criticism of Samuel Eto'o's management at FECAFOOT. Abdouraman Hamadou Baba, who held the post of vice-president of the federation, believes that the former star striker is protected by high-ranking state figures, which allows him to remain in office despite the controversies.
"The day Mrs. Biya decides to leave Cameroonian football, you will see what will happen," warned Abdouraman Hamadou Baba, suggesting that Samuel Eto'o's fate at FECAFOOT is closely linked to the First Lady's support. He also broadened his remarks by stating that the problem of Cameroonian football is more extensive and is linked to the involvement of politicians in this sector. "I didn't come here to talk about football. All I can tell you is that I realized that it is the politicians who manage football. And that's why I came into politics. Because the problem is bigger. Football is just one of the sectors," he explained.
These accusations could revive the debate on political interference in Cameroonian football and on the independence of FECAFOOT. They also come at a time when the federation is facing several challenges, including the preparation for upcoming sporting events and the management of finances. Samuel Eto'o's future at the head of FECAFOOT remains uncertain, especially as criticism against him is becoming increasingly pressing.
Abdouraman Hamadou Baba's remarks highlight the complex dynamics underlying Cameroonian football, where political stakes and personal interests often seem to take precedence over the development of the sport itself. The reaction of Samuel Eto'o and FECAFOOT to these accusations is now awaited.
In the meantime, Cameroonian football remains suspended on the decisions of those who pull the strings behind the scenes.
