The President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto'o, has once again made a notable statement, openly criticizing the management of coaches in Cameroon. True to his direct style, Eto'o expressed his disagreement with the practice of paying large sums to foreign coaches he considers "mediocre," suggesting that it would be wiser to invest in Cameroonian talent.
"If we can afford to pay several million to a mediocre person, I think we can pay billions to a brilliant Cameroonian," he declared, adding that some individuals "prefer to deal with people who are mediocre, and the reflex of the mediocre is to block those who are brilliant below, and I cannot accept that". Although he did not directly name Marc Brys, the recently appointed Belgian coach, many interpreted his words as a criticism of this appointment and the associated expenses.
Eto'o also praised the work of David Pagou, a Cameroonian coach, highlighting his seriousness, commitment, and knowledge of local football. For Eto'o, supporting technicians like Pagou is a strategic choice to value national expertise and encourage local skills.
The FECAFOOT president also addressed criticism regarding his presence in the Indomitable Lions' locker room, calling this controversy a "false debate." He stated that it was his duty to protect, supervise, and control the national team, as he is the first to defend it. Eto'o insisted that he wanted to be an "elder" capable of advising the players, sharing his experience of successes and failures.
Regarding the financial management of FECAFOOT, Eto'o clarified his role as the authorizing officer for expenditures, emphasizing that budgets are developed by the federation's teams and approved by the Ministry of Sports and the Prime Minister's office. He specified that the funds are not managed directly by him but by an accounting officer, and that expenses include not only the team's needs but also sovereignty fees and security services.
Eto'o reaffirmed his commitment to discipline and hard work as fundamental values for the success of the Indomitable Lions. His statements come in a context of recurring controversies and popular pressure, but he seems determined to maintain his course of action and imprint his vision on FECAFOOT. Samuel Eto'o was re-elected as head of FECAFOOT in December 2025. He has promised not to receive a salary as president, preferring to invest in the well-being of the players.
