The Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) was at the center of a heated controversy following the inauguration of its new headquarters on May 13, 2026. The commemorative plaque, unveiled during the ceremony, did not mention the presence of a government representative, which sparked numerous reactions on social media.
The absence of the Prime Minister's name, Chief Dr Dion Ngute, personal representative of the Head of State, was perceived as a "serious oversight" by some observers, including André Luther Meka, an activist and communicator for the RDPC. According to Meka, this omission is a "denial of the State which subsidizes Fecafoot and above all a lack of consideration for the authority embodied by the Head of State, H.E. Paul Biya."
Faced with this growing controversy, Samuel Eto'o, president of Fecafoot, quickly reacted. A new plaque was made and installed, correcting the initial error.
The new plaque now bears the following inscription: "On May 13, 2026, the headquarters building of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) was inaugurated by the representative of the Head of State, in the presence of Mr. Eto'o Fils and Dr. Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)."
This prompt reaction from Samuel Eto'o has eased tensions and silenced critics. The inauguration of the new Fecafoot headquarters, in the presence of figures from Cameroonian and international football, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, marks an important step for Cameroonian football. The correction of the inaugural plaque demonstrates the importance given to respecting protocol and state institutions.
The incident underscores the importance of the role of Fecafoot and its president in the Cameroonian landscape, as well as the need for harmonious collaboration with government authorities. With the controversy closed, Fecafoot can now focus on its objectives for the development of Cameroonian football.
