The Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision in favor of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) continues to cause reactions. Jacques Marcel Itiga, Head of Communications for Synafoc, has strongly criticized Samuel Eto'o, accusing him of trying to impose his authority over Cameroonian football.
During a recent broadcast, Itiga didn't mince words: "Synafoc is not the problem. Mr. Eto'o doesn't want to hear that another Cameroonian footballer is entering the spheres where he is. Everyone must pledge allegiance to him," he declared. These remarks follow the CAS decision confirming Fecafoot's position in the dispute with Synafoc, led by former Indomitable Lion Geremi Njitap.
As a reminder, CAS ruled in favor of Fecafoot regarding the withdrawal of Synafoc's mandate. This decision strengthens the legal position of the federal body. However, Jacques Marcel Itiga fears that this verdict may exacerbate existing tensions between Samuel Eto'o and certain former Cameroonian footballers who contest his management of national football.
Itiga also mentioned an incident that occurred during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Samuel Eto'o allegedly requested a meeting with FIFPRO officials to discuss sensitive issues regarding the organization of African football. Eto'o reportedly requested the rehabilitation of former Ivorian international Cyrille Domoraud and the Ivorian Footballers Association (AFI). FIFPRO reportedly perceived these requests as undermining the autonomy of its regional divisions.
According to Itiga, FIFPRO's refusal marked the beginning of a series of tensions between Eto'o and Njitap, solidifying disagreements over the governance of Cameroonian football.
Furthermore, Jacques Marcel Itiga criticized the situation of David Pagou, the current coach of the Cameroonian national team, questioning his ability to combine this role with other commitments. Itiga highlighted the potential conflict of interest, arguing that a national coach should devote himself full-time to his role.
"Everyone will pass, but SYNAFOC will remain," Jacques Marcel Itiga had declared, insisting on the durability of his organization despite the difficulties.
