Cameroon’s national football team has been plunged into fresh turmoil just months before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as head coach Marc Brys denied reports of his resignation — claims first circulated by the country’s football federation, FECAFOOT.
On 23 July, FECAFOOT issued a statement declaring that Brys had stepped down, citing a signed resignation letter dated 21 July. The announcement was widely picked up by local media. But within hours, the 63-year-old Belgian coach issued a public rebuttal, calling the statement false and the letter a fabrication.
“I have never written or transmitted any letter of resignation,” Brys said, adding that his email account had “very probably been compromised.” He suggested the alleged hack had been used to circulate a forged document, prompting FECAFOOT’s swift and unverified announcement.
“This demonstrates a tacit desire for my dismissal,” Brys added, questioning why the federation failed to contact him directly before making the news public. The incident has fuelled speculation over internal power struggles, raising questions over who may have benefited from the apparent deception and why the federation acted so hastily.
The controversy comes against a backdrop of long-running tensions between Brys and FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o. Appointed by Cameroon’s Ministry of Sports in April 2024 — bypassing the federation in a move that sparked immediate friction — Brys has repeatedly clashed with Eto’o over his authority and decision-making. Eto’o previously attempted to dismiss the coach before he had even overseen his first match.
Brys has accused the federation chief of interfering in team selections and orchestrating efforts to undermine him, while FECAFOOT has criticised Brys for what it describes as a lack of cooperation and disrespect toward the institution.
With the Africa Cup of Nations looming, Cameroon — a five-time continental champion — faces a deepening crisis that threatens both its preparations and its prospects. Though Brys remains officially in charge, his position is increasingly fragile, as the rift between the technical staff and the federation shows little sign of healing.
For supporters, the battles off the pitch — rife with accusations, leaks and alleged hacking — risk overshadowing the football itself, as Cameroon’s campaign edges closer.
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