Amid accusations of mismanagement of funds allocated to the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), its president, Samuel Eto'o, has clarified his position. During a notable address at the Digital B Mentoring event, organized by Digital B Agency and journalist Bruno Bidjang, Eto'o explained his role as the authorizing officer of expenditures and detailed the budget validation process.
"When I arrived at the head of the Cameroonian Football Federation, I was only the authorizing officer for expenditures," he stated. He emphasized that he is not the one who directly handles the money but rather the one who authorizes the expenses. Eto'o specified that the budgets are developed by the federation's teams and then submitted to the Ministry of Sports. Previously, the Ministry of Sports had to submit the budget to the Prime Minister's Office, a procedure that has evolved. A meeting used to take place between the Ministry of Sports, the federation, and the Prime Minister's Office, where the budget was defended under the arbitration of the Prime Minister, who then made the decision and sent it to the Palace with his recommendations.
Eto'o also emphasized that the FECAFOOT budget is not solely for the players. "When you are told that the budget is 6 billion, it is not only for the players. When the Lions travel, it is Cameroon that travels," he explained. He clarified that the sovereign expenses of the Minister of Sports, the ambassador's mission, security services, the Presidency, the Prime Minister's Office, and finances are all included in this budget.
To ensure better traceability of funds, Samuel Eto'o stated that he has implemented a policy of payment exclusively by bank transfer. He also responded to criticism regarding his leadership style, assuming a certain firmness towards those he accuses of manipulating public opinion. "If it is because I do not listen to these people that you say I am a dictator, then I am a good dictator," he declared.
By clarifying the budgetary process and insisting on the transparency of transactions, Samuel Eto'o seeks to dispel doubts and restore confidence in the management of FECAFOOT. His statements come in a context where the federation faces significant challenges, including the preparation for the 2025 AFCON and the modernization of the country's football infrastructure.
